Veteran fears budget changes 'going to cause more suicides'

An Australian Defence Force veteran has voiced strong opposition to new federal budget changes that impose a $5,000 annual cap on allied health spending for veterans, warning the measure could lead to more suicides. Noah Schefe, an infantry veteran based in Townsville, described the cap, set to take effect from July 1, 2027, as a "100 percent betrayal." He argues that the limit, intended to "limit unnecessary over-servicing," will significantly impact veterans like himself who rely on regular physiotherapy and chiropractic care for injuries sustained during service. Schefe anticipates reaching the $5,000 cap within months and believes the policy undermines the sacrifices made by service members. He asserted that politicians supporting these changes should not be welcome at Anzac Day events, stating, "It's like, 'We want you to go and risk life and limb, but if something happens and you need help, we don't know you.'" The median annual spend on allied health for veteran cardholders is currently $1,900. Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh defended the cap, assuring that it would ensure treatments are in veterans' best interests and that additional funding would be available for those with clinical needs exceeding the limit. He also clarified that psychology and counselling services provided through Open Arms would not count towards the cap. However, opposition spokesperson Phillip Thompson, himself a veteran, raised concerns about the process for accessing extra support, suggesting it could involve lengthy application periods.

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No-one could seriously be putting something like that forward.