Stand Up for Disability Support: What’s Happening with the NDIS and Why It Matters
There’s a new petition doing the rounds, and it’s one that hits close to home for anyone involved in the disability sector. It’s called Stand Up for Disability Support: Stop the NDIS Cuts, and it’s gaining traction fast. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth a read:
So, what’s it all about?
Basically, the NDIS is proposing a bunch of pricing changes in its 2025 Annual Pricing Review. Some of them are fine, even helpful. But others? They’ve got providers and people with disabilities seriously worried. The concern is that cuts to therapy rates and support services could lead to fewer providers, less choice, and worse outcomes for Participants.
Let’s break it down simply.
What’s Changing?
- Therapy Supports: Pricing for services like physiotherapy, dietetics, and podiatry is being reduced, despite rising health costs and staffing shortages.
- Support Coordination: Support Coordination is yet to receive a price increase in six years?
- Plan Management: The once-off setup fee is getting scrapped
- DSW Pricing: Disability support worker wages will still be indexed, but there’s concern these changes don’t reflect the true cost of running a quality service!
On paper, it all sounds tidy. But in practice, it’s got a lot of us scratching our heads.
Why It’s a Problem
NDIS is using national benchmarks and data comparisons (like Medicare or private health rates) to justify price drops. But it’s missing something big:
The NDIS isn’t Medicare. It requires more time, more admin, and more complexity.
The cuts might seem small in dollar terms, but they stack up fast, especially for smaller providers already trying to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
What You Can Do
📢 Sign the petition: If you think these changes are going to make things harder, not better, make your voice heard.
🗣 Share your story: Whether you’re a provider, a Participant, or a family member, your experience matters. Reach out to your local MP or get in touch with advocacy groups.
🤝 Talk to your networks: The more people who know what’s coming, the more pressure we can put on decision-makers to rethink the approach.
Final Thoughts
Change isn’t always bad, but it has to be done with care. Real lives are affected when funding models shift. Let’s make sure the NDIS remains true to its purpose.
