Albanese Owns the Matt Keogh Problem
Dear Editor,
Matt Keogh admitted he “got it wrong” when he initially refused to meet veterans and clinicians opposing Labor’s $5000 allied health threshold.
But this is no longer just Keogh’s problem.
Labor’s factions may explain his place in the ministry, but Anthony Albanese decides which portfolio he holds.
The Prime Minister has watched Keogh refuse the meeting, reverse himself under pressure, apologise to Parliament and face serious questions about his fitness for Veterans’ Affairs.
Keogh owns his conduct. Albanese now owns the decision to keep him responsible for veterans.
I expand on this argument at markcroxford.net/read
Regards,
Mark Croxford
20-year Navy veteran and
former media and political adviser to a Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel
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DVA Allied Health Cap – What Does It Mean for Veterans?
The proposed changes to DVA-funded allied health services have understandably generated significant concern across the veteran community.
From 1 July 2027, the Government intends to introduce a $5,000 annual threshold for allied health services for Veteran Card holders. This will cover services such as physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, podiatry, exercise physiology and social work.
The Government’s position is that the measure is not intended to be a hard cap on clinically necessary treatment. Veterans who require more than $5,000 of care will be able to receive additional funding where there is a demonstrated clinical need. The detailed process for obtaining additional treatment is still being developed, with consultation with veterans, families, providers and ex-service organisations commencing in August 2026.
There are some potential benefits. The Government argues that the threshold will help address inappropriate or excessive treatment by a small number of providers, while also removing the current 12-session treatment-cycle restrictions. It is also committing $169.7 million to increase allied-health provider fees from July 2027, with the aim of improving availability and choice.
However, there are legitimate concerns. A financial threshold does not necessarily reflect an individual’s clinical needs. Veterans living with complex physical injuries, chronic conditions or significant psychological issues may require treatment well beyond $5,000 a year. The key issue will therefore be how easily and quickly veterans can access additional treatment when they need it.
There is also concern that veterans should not be disadvantaged because of poor practices by a small number of providers. As the RSL and other veteran advocates have pointed out, the focus should be on identifying and addressing inappropriate provider behaviour rather than restricting access to necessary treatment for everyone.
Our view is that clinically necessary care must remain available to every veteran who needs it. Any system introduced by DVA should be simple, transparent and responsive, with additional treatment approved quickly where clinically justified. Veterans should never be left without essential physical or psychological care because they have reached an arbitrary financial threshold.
The reforms do not commence until 1 July 2027, so there is still an opportunity for veterans and their representatives to have their voices heard as the Government develops the new arrangements.
This is an important issue for the veteran community, and we encourage veterans and families to stay informed and participate in the consultation process.
Good morning
It would seem personal attacks rather than informed discussion and resolution are the norm nowadays. Those directly affected no doubt have full comprehension of what the impacts are of what is being proposed, others may not. Perhaps the above summary using AI and other research may contribute to the understanding of the majority and a successful outcome for veterans.
Kind Regards
John Dwyer