Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry is calling on the Albanese Labor Government to abandon its planned $5,000 annual cap on Department of Veterans’ Affairs-funded allied health care before it takes effect on 1 July 2027.
Ms Landry renewed her call after visiting Blank Cheque Trading Co in Rockhampton, a veteran-owned and operated local business founded by Army veterans Bradey and Charlene Livermore. The venue supports the veteran and first responder community through regular catchups, connection and a strong sense of belonging beyond service.
“Sitting down with local veterans at Blank Cheque Trading Co reinforced a very simple point: allied health care is not a luxury it is essential care that helps veterans manage service-related injuries, chronic pain, trauma and everyday life,” Ms Landry said.
“Veterans should never be forced to choose between seeing a physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, or another trusted clinician because an arbitrary dollar limit set in Canberra has been reached.
“The Coalition’s position is clear: Labor must scrap this cap. A veteran’s treatment should be determined by their health needs and their clinicians not by a government savings target.”
Labor’s 2026–27 Budget imposed the annual threshold for Veteran Card holders and booked $748 million in savings over three years, rising to about $340 million each year thereafter. The Government has acknowledged that around one in ten Veteran Card holders is expected to reach the threshold.
“Those most likely to hit the cap are the veterans and widowed partners with the most complex and ongoing health needs,” Ms Landry said.
“Labor says veterans will be able to seek approval for clinically necessary treatment above the threshold, but that still creates more uncertainty and administration for people who should be focused on their health and recovery.
“If the Government is concerned about a small number of providers doing the wrong thing, it should target those providers through compliance action. It should not punish veterans with a blunt cap on care.”
Ms Landry said Blank Cheque Trading Co showed the importance of veteran-led organisations and businesses in building purpose, connection, and practical support in regional communities.
“Bradey and Charlene have created much more than a café and distillery. They have built a welcoming place where veterans, first responders and their families can connect, share experiences, and support one another,” Ms Landry said.
“Australia’s commitment to those who serve must not end when the uniform comes off. Veterans deserve certainty that the care they need will be there for as long as they need it.
“The Prime Minister should listen to veterans, their families, clinicians and ex-service organisations and reverse this decision before the cap ever comes into effect.”
ENDS
Media Contact:
Office of Michelle Landry MP
0418 908 159
michelle.landry.mp@aph.gov.au
