Thompson opens petition to fight $5k allied healthcare cap for ADF veterans

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22 June 2026

Phillip Thompson OAM MP, representative for Herbert, Queensland, addresses Australian Army personnel from the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, during the unit’s 77th birthday parade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, on 12 October 2022. Photo: BDR Guy Sadler

Shadow minister for defence industry and defence personnel, Phillip Thompson, has opened a new petition to encourage the scrapping of a $5,000 cap on allied healthcare for Australian Defence Force veterans.

The “Stand up for our veterans – Scrap the cap” petition, hosted online, encourages the Australian federal government to remove the cap that was introduced earlier this year.

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Under the 2026–27 federal budget changes announced on 12 May, a $5,000 annual limit would be placed on allied health expenditure each financial year established from 1 July 2027. The change was reportedly designed to help limit unnecessary overservicing while still supporting veterans whose care needs go beyond the limit where this is clinically indicated.

Thompson said the cap on allied healthcare is a “betrayal of our veterans” which will put those battling PTSD, service-related injuries and ongoing rehabilitation at risk.

“I have launched a petition calling on the Labor government to immediately reverse its decision to cap allied health services for our veterans,” he said.

“Those who have served our nation deserve access to the care and support they need, not cuts that place their lives at risk.

“Now is the time to stand together, make our voices heard and fight for those who have fought for us. Please help me take a strong message to Canberra by signing the petition now.”

The Returned & Services League (RSL) of Australia has also queried the change under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

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“Our priority right now is understanding from the government and DVA how the cap will work in practice, so that every veteran gets the care they need,” said RSL Australia national president Peter Tinley AM.

“While the government has recognised the DVA schedule has fallen behind real increases in fees charged by health professionals, it has only focused on the gap for allied health services.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at

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