NDIS pricing review puts participant access to therapy at further risk
More than 465,000 current National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants are at risk of reduced access to therapy supports after most allied health professions had prices frozen or further reduced in today's annual pricing review. At a time of major reform across the Scheme, these reductions will further destabilise providers of capacity building therapy supports that so many participants rely on.
Today’s NDIS Annual Pricing Review for 2026-27 has cut price limits for a number of allied health professions, some substantially, and continued a freeze on pricing for most other allied health therapy supports. Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) warns that the decision risks the viability of allied health businesses and, consequently, access to life-changing therapy supports. The decision comes at a time of significant uncertainty for participants and the allied health sector, with major reforms proposed in the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 currently before Parliament.
AHPA is also disappointed that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has not heeded its own recommendation to release pricing outcomes early to allow the sector to prepare for and implement the changes. The late release of the report will create significant additional pressure on providers with less than seven working days before the changes come into effect on 1 July.
AHPA remains concerned that NDIS pricing methodology, including benchmarking with other funding programs, may not accurately represent the real cost of service delivery. Analysis of previous pricing reviews has shown significant data gaps and potentially incorrect assumptions or comparisons. AHPA has commenced analysis of the pricing report and will work with members to identify and flag areas of concern and to advocate for changes, where needed. The upcoming Therapy Pricing Review by the NDIA will provide an important opportunity for the sector to work with government to shape future therapy pricing.
The decision to continue freezing or cutting rates for therapy supports is not just a pricing issue. Rising operating costs and workforce shortages risk reducing the availability of therapy supports, particularly for participants with complex needs or those in regional and rural areas. When therapy becomes financially unsustainable to deliver, participants lose choice, control and timely access to the right professional.
AHPA urges the Commonwealth Government and NDIA to prioritise stability, transparency and genuine engagement with the allied health sector as the Scheme undergoes significant change. The pace and scale of reform, combined with limited consultation, is creating growing instability across the therapy sector and increasing uncertainty for participants who rely on consistent, high‑quality supports.
For further information: communications@ahpa.com.au