Cathy O'Toole (Herbert, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In the 2018-19 budget, there was a signalling of the establishment of a trial in the Department of Veterans' Affairs which alters the way veterans access allied health treatments, requiring individuals to return to their doctor every 12 weeks to seek a new referral. Veterans routinely raise with me concerns about their ability to access services, particularly in regional areas. With these issues and the impact of the Medicare freeze on DVA's fee schedule in mind, can the minister advise why DVA is trialling a change to the way allied health care is provided? Is the minister aware of any providers overservicing clients? If yes, what services and how much has this overservicing cost? Has DVA taken any actions to address issues of overservicing? Under these changes, can the minister ensure that veterans on long-term treatment plans will not experience a gap in continuity of care? Will any consideration be given to waiving this requirement for veterans on long-term treatment plans, particularly for complex issues such as post-traumatic stress? How will these changes be communicated to both GPs and the DVA clients? How will the minister ensure that veterans don't miss out on treatment they need through this new model?

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