Labor's Veteran Healthcare Cuts Betray Those Who Served

July 08, 2026
From 1 July 2027, significant changes will come into effect that will directly impact Australia's Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) veterans.
Under the current system, TPI veterans can obtain a GP referral for up to 12 government-funded sessions of psychology, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and other allied health services, with no overall monetary cap on the treatment they receive. Once those 12 sessions are used, they can return to their GP for a further referral if ongoing treatment is required.
From 1 July 2027, however, eligible veterans will be limited to $5,000 in funded medical expenses per year.
Malcolm, a TPI veteran, told One Nation that this change will no longer cover the ongoing treatment he requires for injuries sustained during his military service.
After serving Australia for 12 years, Malcolm continues to undergo regular physiotherapy for severe knee and spinal injuries, alongside rehabilitation and fortnightly psychology appointments to manage PTSD and anxiety. His annual treatment costs total approximately $26,000.
"When you sign up to defend your country, you accept the risks and you're told you'll be looked after. Then they change the goalposts and take it away from you," Malcolm told One Nation. The Labor government's destructive new budget cuts to veterans not only restrict their much-needed treatment but also revoke a promise the country made to our servicemen.
According to Malcolm, the proposed annual cap would not even cover the cost of his psychology appointments for a single year, let alone the physiotherapy and rehabilitation he depends on to maintain his mobility and quality of life.
This is yet another disgusting oversight and failure by the Albanese government.
For veterans who have already sacrificed so much in service to Australia, changes of this nature raise serious concerns about access to essential ongoing healthcare and the long-term commitments made to those injured while serving their country.