The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has implored the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to urgently pause its planned cuts to price limits and travel expenses for therapy services, set to take effect on 1 July.

Yesterday, the APA met with the Office of Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS, to present robust, independent evidence that clearly shows the NDIA’s decision-making is flawed. We were encouraged by the meeting, which resulted in the swift facilitation of a meeting with the NDIA, which took place this morning.

In that meeting, the APA presented clear and credible evidence that challenges the assumptions underpinning the NDIAs proposed pricing changes. This included:

• The inappropriateness of using private health insurance and MBS data as a benchmark for NDIS pricing.
• Comparative data from other compensable schemes such as TAC and WorkSafe  
• Independent cost data from the Ability Roundtable, showing a 13.3 per cent shortfall between actual therapy delivery costs and the current NDIS price guide.
• Findings from Nous Groups’ independent, robust review of physiotherapy market rates
• First-hand evidence from our members about the financial and workforce realities of delivering therapy under the NDIS.

This data is irrefutable - and paints a stark picture: if these pricing changes proceed, therapy services will become unsustainable, for metro and rural and regional areas alike, putting NDIS participants at serious risk of losing access to essential care.

While the NDIA acknowledged the limitations of the methodology used to inform these decisions and indicated they are open to ongoing consultation over the next 12 months, they remain intent on implementing these changes from 1 July.

The APA is gravely concerned that despite the NDIAs knowledge of the limitations of this data they remain committed to implementing changes that will significantly reduce access, drive providers out of the scheme, and risk lives.

The APA will not step back. We have written to Senator McAllister, urging her to intervene and exercise her legislative authority to direct the NDIA to halt these changes, engage in robust data analysis, and bring the sector to the table to co-design a sustainable, evidence-based path forward.

We continue to meet with government, agency leaders and sector partners. We are encouraged by the support we’ve received from many across the health and disability sectors and our fight continues.

This decision must be halted now, before irreparable harm is done. 

Join us today by signing our petition and writing to your MP.