Mary Aldred (Monash, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Australia asks extraordinary things of the men and women who wear our uniform, and all they ask for when they return home is that we take care of them and we treat them with respect. That is not what has happened in this federal budget with the Albanese government's decision to impose a $5,000 cap on allied health services for veterans. I've spoken to many veterans in my electorate, many ex-service organisations, many RSLs. They are hurt. They are angry. They feel there is a lack of respect and understanding. Veterans often have complex and chronic health needs. They're not simple; they're not short term. Veterans deserve adequate support, respect and care from this federal government. They deserve nothing less.

That is why I oppose this cap; it is why the Liberal and National parties oppose this cap. The coalition will stand up and fight for our veterans. They fought for Australia, and they deserve all of us in this place standing up and fighting for them. They deserve nothing less, and that is why it is so disappointing to hear government members supporting the cap on allied health services for veterans.

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