$740m veterans plan to fund social rehabilitation and psychedelic treatments for PTSD

Veterans Affairs is set to expand funding for veteran reintegration with a $739 million package over four years, centered on broader "rehabilitation plans" and community-based support. The plan funds social wellbeing and learning activities such as surf therapy, yoga, cooking and short education courses, plus peer and community programs. Eligibility is tied to veterans with accepted compensation claims related to service injury. For the most resistant PTSD cases, the government will also begin funding psychedelic-assisted treatment using MDMA and psilocybin under strict safeguards, alongside funding medicinal cannabis for chronic pain and other physical illnesses. The approach is framed as a response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, aiming for earlier, preventative interventions where possible.