“How are you going to make it seamless for veterans to access those services above the $5,000 cap? They had no answer. No answer. They hadn’t done the homework, and I’m shocked the Minister is not meeting with these veterans today. Absolutely shocked. It is time for the Prime Minister to intervene.”
Ward Gainey, Vietnam Veteran:
“Good morning. My name is Ward Gainey and I’m a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy.
We are very lucky in Australia to have the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, but we’re not so lucky when we see what the DVA does to veterans without, apparently, thinking through the consequences. The cap is just that, a cap. It’s not based on any real numbers, as far as we can determine.
Treating doctors see veterans who may suddenly decide they want to find out why they have aches and pains, or why they’re struggling with their mental health. Some veterans might wait 60 years before seeking help. I served in Vietnam in 1972 and I still haven’t lodged claims for some of my conditions.
These things don’t happen overnight. They develop slowly. To then turn around and say a veteran should have been seeing a doctor for 12 months before a doctor can make a claim that they have a mental health condition simply doesn’t make sense.
These issues should be thought through with groups like ours. We can sit down and explain what veterans actually need. This is not just a financial exercise, it’s about veterans’ wellbeing. If you don’t understand veterans and their needs, how can you put the right support in place?
Our organisation began by supporting Vietnam veterans, but as that generation ages, we now support all veterans. Believe me, there are serving personnel and veterans today who have problems, and some don’t even realise they have problems yet.
Many can’t get in to see a doctor because of changes to DVA reimbursements. It’s no longer economically viable for some doctors to treat people with Gold Cards or White Cards. I have a Gold Card and I’m fortunate my doctor still sees me, but many others aren’t so lucky.
I go to the gym because it’s covered and there are people willing to help me, but there are plenty of veterans missing out on support.
Every time DVA comes up with ideas like this, I don’t believe they think them through properly. We are lucky to have the DVA, but veterans should have more input into the decisions that affect them. Groups like ours could say, ‘Excuse me, DVA, you’ve missed the mark here. You should look at it this way.’
There are delays everywhere. Around 103,000 claims are waiting to be processed. Why does it take three years to determine that someone broke a leg while serving? It shouldn’t.
There is something wrong with the system. It doesn’t reflect the needs of veterans. That’s not good for veterans, it’s not good for the country, and it’s certainly not good for young Australians who might be considering a career in the Defence Force.
Changes are being made, but I don’t believe all of them are changes for the better.
