Consultation is now open on the Albanese Government's proposed changes to veteran allied health arrangements from July 1, 2027.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging local veterans, families, allied health providers and stakeholders to have their say through the Department of Veterans' Affairs consultation portal.

“Gilmore is home to a large veteran community, including current and former Defence personnel, Defence families, and many veterans connected to HMAS Albatross and the wider Shoalhaven and Kiama regions,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Gilmore is proudly home to 5,775 veterans, the highest number of veterans of any electorate in New South Wales, and we have more than 7,500 serving members, also the highest number of any electorate in New South Wales. 

“I know that access to quality healthcare is an important issue for many local veterans and their families, which is why I encourage members of our community to participate in the current consultation process.”

She said the Albanese Government was committed to ensuring veterans and their families could access the care and support they need, while continuing to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

As part of the 2026-27 Federal Budget, the Government announced increased funding for allied health services for veterans, including higher fees for allied health providers from July 1, 2027.

“The aim is to improve access to care and encourage more providers to treat Veteran Card holders,” Mrs Phillips explained.

“The proposed reforms will also remove the current 12-session treatment cycle from July 1, 2027.

“Importantly, veterans will still require an initial GP referral but will no longer need to return for a new referral after every 12 sessions, reducing unnecessary administration for veterans, GPs and providers.”

A new annual review threshold for allied health treatment is also proposed. Importantly, this will not automatically stop treatment.

“Where ongoing care is clinically required, it’s important for veterans and their families to know that treatment can continue following a review and approval process,” Mrs Phillips said.

The detailed arrangements have not yet been finalised, which is why DVA has released a discussion paper and is seeking feedback from veterans, families, allied health providers, ex-service organisations and other stakeholders.

Consultation is open until October 30, 2026.

“Local feedback will help shape how the new arrangements operate in practice, including how continuity of care is maintained and how veterans with complex or ongoing health needs are supported,” Mrs Phillips said.

“I'm extremely proud to be part of a government that is investing $5.7 billion in 2026-27 to support our veterans and is delivering on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Importantly, we're delivering $169.7 million in funding over five years to increase fees for allied health providers from July 1, 2027.

“This is the largest investment in allied health fees for veterans in more than 20 years!

“I will continue to advocate for the interests of veterans and Defence families across Gilmore and encourage local stakeholders to participate in this important consultation.”

From 1 July 2027:

• Fees paid to allied health providers will increase from 1 July 2027, supported by the Government’s $169.7 million investment to strengthen access to allied health care for Veteran Card holders.

• The current 12-session treatment cycle will be removed. Veteran Card holders will still need an initial GP referral but will no longer need GP referrals after every 12 sessions to access allied health care.

• A $5,000 annual threshold for reviewing treatment will be introduced for allied health services. Veteran Card holders who need more than $5,000 in allied health care each year will still be able to receive clinically necessary treatment. Veterans approaching the threshold will have their treatment reviewed with their health care team and can continue accessing treatment while DVA considers any request for additional care.

• The threshold will not apply to Veteran Card holders receiving the Special Rate Disability Pension or Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Pension, or those who have been determined to be catastrophically injured.

• These changes aim to make it easier to access care, reduce unnecessary approvals, and improve the veteran support system.

People can have their say here: Submit your feedback on the changes - Consultation on Changes to Allied Health Arrangements for Veteran Card Holders - DVA - Department of Veterans' Affairs

And find out more here: Changes for allied health from July 2027 | Department of Veterans' Affairs

Veterans can also access free and confidential counselling 24 hours a day through Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or at www.openarms.gov.au