Danica De Giorgio:
But first tonight, Australia’s war veterans fought for this country so we can live the lives we live today. But now, you can add our current and former troops to an ever-growing list of matters Labour does not seem to take seriously. Minister for Veterans Affairs, Matt Keogh, was apparently too busy this week to meet with the Coalition of Veterans’ Voices and only did so after coming under scrutiny. Well, he may as well not have bothered.
Dr. Tim Nelson:
He walked into the room, refused to shake our hand, sat down with his arms crossed, and rolled his eyes when we started telling him about the effect that this cap already is having on veterans.
Danica De Giorgio:
Our war veterans deserve better than this Labour government. Daniel Wild is Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs.
Daniel Wild:
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has to go. The treatment of Australia’s veterans under his watch is simply unacceptable. First, the government imposed a $5,000 annual cap on allied health services for veterans. Now, think about what this means. Australians who require treatment because of injuries suffered in the service of our nation could find themselves unable to access the care that they need.
Veterans, their families, and veterans’ organisations have strongly criticised the policy and pleaded with the government to reconsider. And what have they received in return, you might ask. It’s the cold shoulder. Former fighter pilot, GP and veteran Dr. Tim Nelson has alleged that Mr. Keogh was rude and dismissive towards veterans at a recent closed door meeting. Nelson said that, “Minister Keogh was forced to have a meeting with us, and it was obvious he did not want to be there. He walked into the room, refused to shake our hand, sat down with his arms crossed, and he rolled his eyes.”
Keogh disputes that account. Of course he would, but whatever happened inside that room, a much bigger problem now is impossible to ignore. There are just too many veterans who have lost confidence in the minister who is supposed to represent them and their interests. And these aren’t just another stakeholder group. These are Australians who put on the uniform of this country. Some were shot at, some were wounded, some watched their mates die. Some returned home carrying physical and psychological injuries they will live with potentially for the rest of their lives.
And when they need help because of what happened while serving Australia, they deserve a government that has their back. Of course, ultimately the buck stops with Anthony Albanese. The prime minister appointed Keogh and the prime minister keeps him there. But there is a broader problem, Anthony Albanese has presided over a culture in which symbols and traditions that bind Australians together are too often treated as secondary.
Every day, the prime minister sends a signal that veterans come second when he refuses to stand in front of the national flag and the national flag only. And we have seen welcome to country and acknowledgement of country ceremonies inserted into virtually every aspect of Australian public life, including commemorations involving those who fought and died for this country. Seriously, welcoming veterans to their own country which they fought for is pathetic. Our veterans should never have to wonder whether their country remembers what they sacrificed for it. So what needs to happen? Well, it’s simple. Kibosh Keogh, scrap the cap and support our veterans.
This transcript with Daniel Wild talking on Opinionated – News24 from 21 August 2026 has been edited for clarity.
