Veterans fire back at Productivity Commission report

VETERANS both locally and across the country are concerned about the final version of a report from the Productivity Commission.

Contrary to its title, “A Better Way to Serve Veterans”, some veterans have perceived the report as a cost-cutting exercise.

Various groups criticised the draft of the report upon its release, particularly surrounding health cover for veterans.

The Australian Commando Association (ACA) was one of the groups to voice their displeasure.

“There is grave concern as to what the PC Inquiry Report has placed within the Draft Report.”

With the final report now released, many concerns remain.

The Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Federation Australia has sent a letter to the commission explaining their worries.

“The government is reneging on their previous long-held commitment to full compensation for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) client’s compensable medical conditions and medications,” the letter states.

Torquay veteran and ACA National Conversation Advisor Paul Copeland said the report highlighted the need for a clearer line of communication between veterans and policy makers.

“We’d like to see a government response to the Productivity Commission Report.

“I believe the nuances of the report need to be looked at by an overarching committee that has membership of ex-service organisations on it to look at the strategic side of the report.”

A large focus of the report has been the Gold Card and the commission’s plans to limit its eligibility.

Gold Cards give their holders access to a wide range of public and private health care services.

The ACA says the Gold Card “recognises the significant impact of a single or multiple condition as a result of that holder’s service to Australia”.

Tied in with the Gold Card debate is the War Widows/Widowers Compensation Payment, which includes a Gold Card if certain criteria are met.

The TPI says the removal of help for these people is a major flaw in the report.

“Members of our Association will be directly impacted by any changes regarding the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to Government to strip the Gold Card from the dependants of Veterans with qualifying service.

“Would the government deny these War Widows and Widowers access to the Gold Card simply in a cost cutting exercise?”