The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review report released yesterday has suggested 26 recommendations and 139 supporting actions for an improved Scheme. 

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the thorough work undertaken by the NDIS Review and commends the commitment to ensuring people with disability have access to quality physiotherapy and the supports they need, both within and outside the NDIS.

The five-year transition period and opportunity to focus on co-design recommended in the report, aligns with our position and values. It is supported by our commitment to active engagement with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and government entities to ensure that people with disability have access to high-quality physiotherapy services.

The recognition of the APA’s input and expertise fortifies the report, and the importance it places on high-quality and best practice supports and recognising Ahpra-registered physiotherapists underpins our expertise in this field.

While the five-year incremental roll out is prudent to ensure proper co-design, some matters demand immediate attention. The APA has reported that some members are incurring financial losses when providing support to NDIS participants, with increasing financial pressure affecting their ability to deliver these services.

The financial stress experienced by providers, especially therapy support providers, has been well documented, including by the Ability Roundtable. 

The APA categorically opposes unnecessary overcharging but will continue to advocate for the indexation with Consumer Price Index of price limits, to give some certainty to providers that increasing costs of providing supports will be covered.

We continue to take stock of what the report means for our members and profession, and will remain engaged during the transition period with the NDIA and governments to ensure physiotherapists are remunerated fairly for the quality supports we provide to people with disability.

We eagerly await the government's response to these recommendations in the New Year and believe, if properly implemented and linked with the recommendations from the Royal Commission, the report has the potential to create a more inclusive Australia for people with disability.

The APA is committed to contributing to better outcomes for people with disability thanks to physiotherapy and look forward to working with the government and the NDIA to build together the future NDIS. 

To read the APA's full statement and written submissions to the NDIS Review, head here.