For the last 5 months we have been advocating hard against the Government’s policy to introduce a $5,000 cap on allied health care services for veterans, widows and children. As have many others in our sector and beyond.
We stood firm on our position that capping health care for widows and children of deceased veterans is unacceptable and joined with the many other voices arguing against capping health care services for veterans.
Australia promised to look after its veterans and their families – this policy did not uphold that promise and we stood against it from day one. From day one we stood for our widows and families. Not once swayed by the narrative that ‘perhaps this was just communicated wrong.’ That was never the issue – the unintended consequences of a cost saving measure like this was always at the heart of the issue.
Our opposition to this policy was never driven by politics, self interest or winning favour – it was always about all of you – it was about standing in opposition to something that would limit entitlements and make it harder to access healthcare. It was about using our voice to support our community and together with others – it worked.
Thank you to every person who shared their stories and experiences, who breathed life into this issue and made sure it never went away and flew under the radar.
I end with a message to Widows, their Children, families and veterans – this is for you. Your entitlements have been protected, and we will always work to keep it that way.
