Yesterday, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing Mark Butler spoke before the National Press Club, announcing the Federal Government’s plans for significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the coming year.  

Ahead of the 2026-27 Federal budget, The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has released its pre-budget submission, calling on the Federal government to enact changes which increase the role of physiotherapy across the health system.

Australia’s health system remains overburdened, and physiotherapy offers evidence-based, cost-effective interventions that are ready to help the government deliver on its reform ambitions by strengthening care, improving outcomes and delivering greater value.

Tens of thousands of Australians have joined a growing movement to oppose recent changes to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing, with a community petition officially tabled in Parliament today by Senator Jordon Steele-John.

Last week, The Australian obtained and released insensitive Freedom of Information (FOI) documents stating that the NDIA, despite extensive and collective pressure from disability advocates, is urging the government to stay firm on the 1 July funding cuts.

The APA is deeply concerned to see the NDIA pursuing unrealistic and excessive budget goals based on flawed data and at the expense of participants’ lives, despite united advocacy and desperate calls for consultation from those most affected.

Yesterday's implementation of cuts to the NDIS will devastate access to critical services for people living with disability.  

Despite the APA and many other allied health bodies raising overwhelming concern for participants and providers, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has proceeded with changes based on flawed, limited data and developed without sector consultation.