New DVA GP Incentive Boosts Mental Health Support for Veterans
02 Jul 2026
Introduced on 1 July, the Veteran Mental Health Incentives allow GPs to claim the payment alongside eligible attendance items when preparing or reviewing a Better Access GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or providing ongoing mental health care during consultations lasting 20 minutes or more.
The incentive can be claimed up to four times each year for eligible patients.
The initiative is funded with $58.3 million over three years, followed by $21 million annually, and was introduced in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
DVA Chief Health Officer Dr Steph Davis said the incentive recognises the important role GPs play in supporting veterans' mental health. She said quality mental health care takes time, and the new payment is designed to better support GPs delivering ongoing care.
The incentive is available for any patient with a DVA Veteran Card, regardless of whether their mental health condition has been formally accepted by the DVA. Dr Davis also encouraged GPs to ask patients about their military service, as this may make them eligible for additional support.
The DVA hopes the new incentive will encourage regular follow-up appointments, improve continuity of care and strengthen long-term relationships between veterans and their GPs.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step for veterans and general practice. He said the funding recognises the time required to deliver quality mental health care and supports GPs caring for veterans.
However, Dr Wright said similar support is needed across the broader Medicare system, calling for higher rebates for longer GP consultations to improve access to mental health care for all Australians.
GPs do not need additional training to claim the new incentive, although the DVA recommends completing education through the Veterans’ Health eLearning Platform (VETs HeLP). The department is also seeking feedback from GPs as the new incentive is introduced.
New DVA GP Incentive Boosts Mental Health Support for Veterans
Source: newsGP