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Exceptions announced for veterans’ GP-led treatment cycles
Totally and permanently incapacitated veterans will be exempt from new treatment cycle requirements due to commence in July.
The treatment cycle initiative was developed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) last year.
It allows GPs to refer DVA card holders to allied health professionals, who in turn develop a treatment plan.
As part of treatment, a GP will assess the plan at the end of each cycle in a bid to improve communication and health outcomes, and determine whether further allied health treatment is clinically required.
However, $17 million has now been earmarked to allow existing allied health services arrangements to continue for totally and permanently incapacitated (TPI) veterans once the treatment cycles begin on 1 July.
The funding is part of a $63.2 million suite of initiatives the Federal Government has pledged as part of a wider bid to generate job opportunities and secure health and housing services for veterans.
Almost half of the funding – $30 million – will go towards establishing six Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres, if the Government is re-elected.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters the centres would receive $5 million each and be based in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Townsville, Nowra and Wodonga.
‘These new Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres are about making it easier for veterans and their families to get the right support … to get jobs when they leave the defence forces and to get the healthcare and housing they need,’ Prime Minister Morrison said.
‘As we approach Anzac Day, we’re focused on honouring and respecting the service of our servicemen and women, veterans and their families as well as delivering practical support.’
According to a campaign release, the centres, mostly located in marginal seats, will integrate government and non-government support for veterans with local health services community organisations. They will also partner with ex-service organisations, as well as state and territory governments across Australia.
The centres will also deliver services from support organisations such as Soldier On, Team Rubicon, and state branches of the RSL, which received $16.2 million as part of the newly-unveiled package.
The funding comes in the wake of criticism from the Opposition, who accused the Government of cutting $171.6 million from the DVA in the last Federal Budget.
Anzac Day treatment cycle veterans health
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