ADJOURNMENT

Ms LANDRY (Capricornia—Chief Nationals Whip) (19:30): I rise tonight to recognise the important work of the Blank Cheque Movement in Rockhampton and to speak about an issue causing real concern among veterans and their families: Labor's proposed $5,000 annual threshold on Department of Veterans' Affairs funded allied health care. The Blank Cheque Movement was founded by Army veterans Bradey and Charlene Livermore.

What began as a veteran owned local business has grown into something much more: a place where veterans, Defence members and first responders and their families can come together, have a conversation and find connection beyond service. That sense of belonging matters. Leaving the uniform behind does not mean leaving behind service related injuries, chronic pain or trauma.

It does not mean the need for support simply disappears. Sometimes the first step towards getting help is having a trusted place where people understand your experience and where asking for support carries no stigma. Bradey and Charlene are now working to establish a permanent veteran hub at 58 William Street in Rockhampton.

Their vision is for an accessible, fit-for-purpose home for consultancy rooms, offices and a training room—a welcoming base where practical assistance and community support can be delivered locally. I strongly support that vision, because regional veterans deserve services close to home, not another barrier between them and the help they need. That brings me to the government's proposed allied health changes.

From 1 July 2027, a $5,000 annual review threshold is planned for veteran card holders accessing allied health services. These services can include physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and other care that helps veterans manage the physical and psychological effects of their service. The government says clinically necessary treatment can continue above the threshold following the review, but veterans are right to ask: what will that mean in practice, how long will a review take, what further forms of evidence will be required, will treatment continue without interruption, and why should a veteran with an established care plan have to face another layer of uncertainty simply because their health needs exceed an arbitrary dollar figure?

For Bradey, this is not theoretical. His allied health care currently costs $13,434 a year—more than 2½ times the proposed threshold. That figure reflects the care he needs.

It is not a luxury, and it is not overservicing. It is treatment that supports his health, mobility and quality of life. Veterans already tell us about long waits and difficult claim processes.

They should not have to worry that another review will delay care, add stress or force them to choose between seeing their physiotherapist and seeing their psychologist or another trusted clinician. Treatment decisions should be made by veterans and their health professionals based on clinical need, not by a budget target imposed in Canberra. The government has acknowledged that around one in 10 veteran card holders are expected to reach the threshold.

Those are likely to be people with the most complex and ongoing needs, including veterans living with multiple service related conditions and widowed partners who rely on continuing care. The coalition's position is clear: the government should scrap this cap before it takes effect. Labor has budgeted for $748 million in savings over three years for this change, rising to around $340 million each year thereafter.

There are better places to find savings than the health care of Australians who have worn our nation's uniform. If there is evidence that a small number of providers are doing the wrong thing then address that directly through strong compliance and proper oversight. Do not respond with a policy that places the burden on veterans and their families who are doing the right thing and relying on legitimate, clinically necessary care.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made 122 recommendations about how Australia could better support serving personnel and veterans and their families. A $5,000 allied health threshold was not one of them. At a time when we should be rebuilding trust and making support easier to access, the government should not create more uncertainty around essential treatment.

The Blank Cheque Movement shows what genuine support looks like: local people stepping up, creating connection and making sure veterans and first responders know they are not alone. Government policy should reflect that same approach. It should be practical, respectful and focused on the needs of veterans.

Australia's commitment to our armed forces must not end when service does. Veterans have made enormous sacrifices for our nation. We must ensure they can access the care they need for as long as they need it.

I commend Bradey, Charlene and everyone involved with the Blank Cheque Movement for the work they are doing in Central Queensland. I call on the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to listen to veterans, their families, clinicians and ex-service organisations and abandon this measure before it comes into effect.