DVA Chief Health Officer focused on improving veterans’ healthcare access
15 May 2026
The Canberra-based GP and public health physician joined the DVA in August last year and says there is growing work underway to strengthen healthcare support for veterans and their families.
Dr Davis says the role offers opportunities to improve policy, research and service delivery, with a focus on helping veterans access evidence-based care more effectively.
She acknowledges the DVA system can be difficult to navigate for both patients and healthcare providers due to its complex legislative framework and administrative processes.
According to Dr Davis, one of the major goals is making support systems smoother and improving awareness of services available to veterans.
This includes work on the Coordinated Veterans’ Care program, which supports veterans with chronic conditions and complex healthcare needs.
The DVA is also working on reforms linked to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, aimed at improving access to support and reducing barriers within the system.
Dr Davis highlighted ongoing projects focused on veteran mental health, including treatments for PTSD, depression and anxiety.
She also discussed recent changes to medicinal cannabis funding rules, including stricter requirements for face-to-face consultations to support safer prescribing practices and reduce concerns about commercially driven telehealth models.
Dr Davis welcomed the RACGP’s expanded Recognition of Extended Skills area for military medicine and veterans’ health, saying GPs play a critical role in providing long-term, coordinated care for veterans.
She says hearing directly from healthcare providers and veterans has been one of the most valuable parts of the role so far, especially when healthcare support leads to meaningful improvements in patients’ lives.
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