The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about the impact of hasty changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Government has recently announced changes that will significantly reduce disabled people's access to music and art therapies.
The Greens are calling for the NDIS to establish its Evidence Advisory Committee prior to implementing wholesale changes to the therapies that are widely utilised by participants. The EAC will have a role in providing advice on the evidence base for therapeutic supports accessed through the NDIS, including assessment of outcomes and value.
As stated by Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services:
"I am deeply concerned about the changes that are being rushed through by the NDIA.
"I have heard from NDIS participants that being able to undertake art and music therapies is very meaningful to them and that they have seen improvements in their wellbeing, their motor skills, and their capacity to communicate with others.
"Engaging in any type of therapy requires significant time and energy. Nobody wants those therapies to succeed more than us, as disabled people. Implying that disabled people are purposefully engaging in therapies to waste time and money - greatly disrespects our agency.
"I have heard from providers that they feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. They are shocked by this significant change to their industry and are demanding that these changes do not proceed.
"Defining all music and art-based therapy as "not evidence-based" is yet another ignorant assumption about disability support, made by this government.
"Disabled people are tired of this Labor government's untested ignorant assumptions, defining the supports we can receive, without the opportunity for meaningful consultation.
"The NDIS Review recommended the establishment of an Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) to examine and evaluate evidence. This committee won't be established until mid-2025. The Greens are calling for the government to properly assess the therapies available through the NDIS, rather than this rushed job that meets their budgetary goals while leaving disabled people worse off."
Background:
- The NDIA is enabled to make these decisions based on the legislation that was passed by the major parties in October 2024. The changes to music and art therapy will not come back to the parliament.
- Music & art Therapy is currently funded through the Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living category, meaning that providers of music & art therapy can charge up to $193.99 an hour under the NDIS pricing guide.
- Yesterday (26/11/24) the NDIA & Bill Shorten announced that art & music therapy will now only be available through the Community Participation Budget, meaning providers can charge up to $67.56 for one on one session, or $193.99 for a group session.
- This will be enforced through a new Operational Guideline that will be released on 2 December 2024, and will come into effect on 1 February 2025
- For people who have art or music therapy as a stated support in their plan, they can continue to access it as normal (and providers can still charge them the higher rate).
- The stated reason for the change is that there isn't sufficient evidence that art & music therapy can help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity.
