Andrew Hastie (Canning, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I regularly receive correspondence from veterans around the country, and it is a privilege and a great responsibility to be asked to give voice to those concerns. A recurring theme of representations from these veterans includes the level of access and funding for mental health care. I have heard multiple cases where a veteran has attempted to receive white card status for mental health treatment only to be denied or delayed because a link was required between their condition and their service. One ex-serviceman from Canning recently approached my office because the DVA would not provide financial assistance for his mental health treatment. Other ex-diggers have lobbied because they have seen their mates who have not received adequate treatment succumb to suicide.

I have raised such issues with the minister in the past and appreciate the concern, the readiness and the action he has shown. Would the minister please advise the House on recent decisions made by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to expand its cover for non-liability health care? Would he also please outline the practical consequences this will have for Australia's former service men and women?

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