OTA Statement to Government Response to the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission

Published: Tuesday, 3 December 

Occupational Therapy Australia is incredibly disappointed that the Commonwealth Government has not moved to urgently address the parlous state of the veteran health system. Access to high-quality health and allied health care should be a right for those Australians who have committed their lives and livelihoods to protect Australia.

The Royal Commission Inquiry into Defence and Veteran Suicide rightly recognised that veterans’ healthcare services need to be expanded and strengthened. Currently, many providers withdrawing from service due to the DVA Scheme’s significant red tape and low fee rates.

Occupational therapists support Australia’s veterans to recover after mental or physical illness or injury and get back to life after their military service. This includes crucial support after discharge from the hospital or during a period of mental health crisis or declining health.

The Royal Commission recommended an increase to DVA fee rates, which are substantially lower than those of other government schemes, including the NDIS. They also called for a renewed focus on expanded and stronger healthcare services for veterans. The government has only noted these recommendations and referred them to a new Taskforce that will be set up within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Veteran’s health services need urgent support now. Action cannot be delayed for consideration by a government task force that has no statutory role or defined membership from key health and allied health experts.

The government has failed to urgently act to address a failing health system at a critical time. Occupational therapists are ceasing services due to low fee rates, and the DVA bureaucracy and OTA are concerned that this will compromise current and future access to quality services for Australian veterans.

The Government must commit to an urgent increase in DVA fee rates in the next budget to address low fees and keep therapists in the veteran system. They must also work collaboratively in the longer term to design a better system that works alongside key health and allied health providers to ensure veterans get access to the best care without delays or gaps in treatment.

The Government’s new task force must include independent experts from the health and allied health field, and OTA calls for greater transparency and collaboration from the Government when establishing this group.

"The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is a once in a lifetime chance to achieve systemic change to support Australia’s veterans. Health and allied health services are a key part of the picture, for those needing additional health and support to address both mental and physical injuries.  We already know that some occupational therapists are making the heartbreaking decision to walk away from the DVA scheme because they just can’t afford to keep working at a loss and dealing with DVA red tape. We are very concerned we will see a health crisis or veterans, who won’t be able to access key services in their local areas. Government needs to commit to a strong and thriving health system for veterans – it’s what they deserve after everything they have done for Australia."

Samantha Hunter, CEO, Occupational Therapy Australia.

"The work that occupational therapists do with veterans is essential to help build the protective factors that can help improve mental health and reduce the risk of mental health conditions. Occupational therapists provide person-centred therapeutic supports that help people connect with their social networks, build skills and confidence, and get back to the activities they find meaningful. The Royal Commission identified the need for more investment to improve veterans’ well-being, and occupational therapy is a core service that must be accessible for veterans. We call on the Government to make it easier for veterans to see an occupational therapist through increased investment in good quality health and allied health services, including fairer fees and better systems."

Michelle Oliver, Chief Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Australia.

OTA will continue to keep members updated on this issue.