Media Release: Thompson Calls for Veterans’ Affairs Minister to Resign over Allied Health Cap
Federal Member for Herbert and Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel, Phillip Thompson OAM MP, has called on the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to resign, accusing him of abandoning veterans and failing to stand up for those who have served Australia.
Mr Thompson today moved a suspension motion in the House of Representatives condemning the Labors Veterans Affairs Minister’s handling of the Albanese Labor Government’s controversial $5,000 cap on allied health services and his treatment of veterans who travelled to Canberra seeking answers.
“This Minister has lost the confidence of veterans right across Australia,” Mr Thompson said.
“Veterans, their families, advocates, and ex-service organisations travelled to Canberra to raise serious concerns about the Labor Government’s decision to impose a $5,000 cap on allied health services. Instead of listening, the Minister for Veterans initially refused to meet with them.”
Media Release: Thompson Demands Labor Axe Cruel Veteran Health Cap
The Albanese Labor Government must immediately reverse its damaging decision to impose a $5,000 cap on allied health services for veterans, following an emotional day at Parliament House where veterans, families and healthcare providers travelled from across Australia to plead for the cap to be scrapped.
Federal Member for Herbert and Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Defence Personnel Phillip Thompson said the Government was ignoring the voices of the very people it claims to support.
“This week, veterans who have worn our nation’s uniform travelled to Canberra seeking a simple meeting with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, which the minister refused.”
“After repeated requests and mounting public pressure, the Minister finally agreed to meet with veterans at the eleventh hour. But despite hearing directly from veterans, families and allied health providers, he still refused to scrap the cap.”
Media Release: Labor Leaves Townsville Exposed as Drone Activity Confirmed at RAAF Base Townsville
The confirmation of a drone activity at RAAF Base Townsville should alarm every Australian and raises serious questions about how the Albanese Labor Government has allowed security breaches to occur at one of the nation’s most important Defence facilities.
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said Australians have every right to expect that sensitive military installations are protected from unauthorised aerial intrusions.
“Australians expect our military bases to be secure, not turned into playgrounds by unidentified drones,” Mr Thompson said.
“RAAF Base Townsville plays a critical role in Australia’s defence capability and supports some of our nation’s most important military operations. The fact that an unidentified drone was able to operate in the vicinity of the base is deeply concerning and demands answers.”
Mr Thompson said the situation in Townsville was particularly serious because RAAF Base Townsville operates as a shared facility alongside Townsville Airport, creating risks beyond Defence alone.
Media Release: Thompson Welcomes Council’s Proactive Bird Flu Preparation, Calls for Faster Federal Action
Phillip Thompson OAM MP, Federal Member for Herbert, has welcomed Townsville City Council’s proactive planning for a potential H5N1 bird flu outbreak and is calling on the Federal Government to accelerate preparedness measures across coastal communities, including North Queensland.
Mr Thompson said while there have been no reported cases of H5N1 in Townsville or North Queensland, recent detections elsewhere in Australia highlight the importance of being prepared.
“Townsville City Council deserves credit for getting on the front foot and planning ahead before a crisis reaches our region,” Mr Thompson said.
“Rather than waiting for an outbreak to occur, Council is reviewing procedures, workplace safety requirements and response protocols to ensure our community is protected should H5N1 arrive in North Queensland.
“That is exactly the kind of practical preparation Australians expect.”
Media Release: Thompson Stands up for the Australian Flag
Federal Member for Herbert and Army veteran Phillip Thompson OAM MP has condemned calls from a powerful union to remove the Union Jack from the Australian Flag, describing the proposal as divisive, out of touch and an insult to generations of Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force under the flag. Recent reports state that the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is urging Labor to remove the Union Jack from the Australian Flag, claiming it is a “symbol of oppression”.
Mr Thompson said the Australian Flag represents the sacrifices, service and shared identity of Australians from all walks of life.
“For generations, Australians have marched behind our flag, fought under it, and draped it over the coffins of our fallen heroes,” Mr Thompson said.
Media Release: Labor’s Veteran Health Cap to Hit Thousands of Petrie Veterans
The Coalition is warning that thousands of veterans living in Brisbane’s northern suburbs could be affected by the Albanese Labor Government’s proposed $5,000 annual cap on access to allied health services.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs data shows there are approximately 3,739 DVA-supported veterans living in the federal electorate of Petrie, with almost 4,800 DVA clients and dependants residing in the electorate.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said veterans had earned the right to receive the healthcare support they need and should not be forced to worry about arbitrary limits on their treatment.
“The men and women who served our country should never have to fight their own government for access to healthcare.
Media Release: Townsville Deserves Answers as Reef HQ Relocation Reports Emerge
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson OAM MP has written to the Minister for the Environment and Water demanding urgent answers following reports the Albanese Labor Government may be considering relocating the long-promised Reef HQ redevelopment from its Townsville CBD site.
Mr Thompson said the reports had created fresh uncertainty around a project that has already been plagued by years of delays, changing timelines and escalating costs.
“After more than five years of waiting, Townsville deserves answers about what is happening with Reef HQ,” Mr Thompson said.
“The community was promised a world-class aquarium, yet all we have seen is delay after delay and a completion date that continues to be pushed out.”
Media Release: Senate Acts to Restore Human Oversight in Aged Care Assessments Following Pether Case
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson OAM MP has been a driving force for change in the aged care system. Mr Thompson welcomes both a positive outcome for Townsville resident Merv Pether and the passage of coalition led landmark legislation to restore human oversight to aged care assessments.
After sustained advocacy from Mr Thompson who demanded a review of Mr Pether’s My Aged Care assessment, resulting in confirmation that Mr Pether will receive his full approved Support at Home funding.
Mr Pether had previously been assessed as requiring a high-level package but was only provided with 60 per cent of that care, placing significant pressure on him and his family.
Media Release: Albanese Government’s Housing Tax Backflip Will Hurt Townsville Families
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson OAM MP has called Prime Minister Albanese a liar and condemned the Prime Minister and the Albanese Government for walking away from its commitment and promise to not introduce new housing taxes, warning the move will make life harder for Townsville families, renters and small businesses.
Mr Thompson said Anthony Albanese has been caught out in a lie. Labor went to the election promising no new housing taxes, including no changes to negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount only to now signal the exact opposite.
“Before the election, Australians were clearly told there would be no new housing taxes. Now, on the eve of the Budget, families are being told to expect higher taxes on their homes, their savings and their investments,” Mr Thompson said.
Media Release: Thompson backs Queensland Premier’s fuel storage plan to strengthen national fuel security
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson OAM MP has welcomed Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s proposal to establish additional fuel storage facilities at major Queensland ports, including Townsville, saying the plan is a practical step to strengthen Australia’s fuel security and resilience.
Mr Thompson said Townsville’s strategic location and existing port and defence infrastructure made it an ideal hub for expanded fuel storage supporting local jobs while protecting northern Australia’s economic and national security interests.