Drew Clyne said the way the government was treating people who’d risked life and limb for their country was disgraceful.
“Why would you ever bring (a cap) in?” he said.
“We’re a dying race, Australia’s not getting new veterans.”
The cap was introduced as part of the government’s 2026-27 budget and is due to take effect from July 1, 2027.
It means veterans who need more than $5000 of allied health services will have to prove they’re clinically necessary.
Last night, the Coalition and crossbench teamed up to pass a bill in the Senate that will force Labor MPs to vote on record either to backtrack or double down on the controversial cap.
A Senate inquiry found of the 110,000 Veteran Card holders, the average spend was $3500, with just 25 per cent exceeding $5000 annually.
Mr Clyne said the government should be going after providers, not sick veterans.
“It’s dodgy providers that are costing them,” he said.
“Why get on the backs of the people who fought for our country over such a poultry amount?”
“This government is plain and simply out of touch.”
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