Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Federal Nationals Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has welcomed the latest reversal of funding cuts affecting veterans, while questioning why it took sustained public pressure to force the government’s hand not once, but three times.
“This is now the third backflip we’ve seen from this government on matters that go to the heart of how we treat those who have served,” Mr McCormack said.
The government has now reinstated funding for Invictus Australia through an announcement on A Current Affair, reversing a decision to axe funding for the event that thousands of wounded, injured and ill Veterans rely on for community connection and inspiration.
The announcement was made only after emotional testimony from Veterans, and a public outcry.
It follows earlier reversals on medallic recognition for veterans (without a 20-year time limit which angered many) and the restoration of travel funding for Doug and Kaye Baird, parents of fallen Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG to attend commemorative events honouring their son’s sacrifice.
“Veterans and their families should never have to fight their own government to receive what they’ve earned and what they’re owed,” Mr McCormack said.
“Each of these decisions was wrong when it was made. Each one was only fixed because veterans, families, and the public refused to let it stand.
“Why does it have to be this hard? Why does it always take a backlash before this government does the right thing? Our veterans have already done the hard part. They shouldn’t have to campaign for the respect that should be theirs automatically.
“The government must now scrap the insidious $5000 allied health cap it has imposed on veterans as part of this broken-promises Budget.”
