AHPA deeply concerned for impact on allied health sector and participants

Following the release of the NDIA’s annual pricing review, Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, to advocate for the thousands of participants who will be disadvantaged by this suite of recommendations. 

Last Friday, AHPA and its member organisations met with the NDIA and Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, to raise concerns and call for greater transparency to monitor adjustments in pricing and inform future pricing differentiation.  

AHPA Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said the sector is deeply concerned about the longer-term sustainability of the NDIS. 

“We have heard the concerns of our member organisations and individual allied health providers and after six years of a price freeze, coupled with proposed cuts to travel, the sector is justifiably anxious,” Morris-Donovan said. 

“Allied health professionals are essential in supporting NDIS participants in their homes, schools and workplaces. Cutting travel by 50% will particularly threaten the sustainability of home-based and rural services. These services are pivotal to a high-quality, accessible disability scheme. It's time to hit pause on reducing the rate and the cap on provider travel. 

“We have seen the collective strength of the 300,000-strong sector over the past five days. Allied health professionals are powerful advocates when working in collaboration with the disability community.  

“AHPA has sought an urgent meeting with Minister McAllister and the Chief Allied Health Officer to broker an outcome that minimises negative impacts on participant access to essential allied health services.” 

Ends. 

For further information or media request: communications@ahpa.com.au