The latest NDIS pricing review has sparked widespread concern across the disability and allied health sectors, and for good reason.
For people living with MS and other neurological conditions, the decision to reduce funding for therapies like physiotherapy, dietetics and podiatry defies logic and undermines trust in the Scheme.
Using ‘high street’ allied health therapy prices as the benchmark does not reflect the specialist care needed for the neurological conditions we support. Reducing travel covered will just drive a ‘centre-based care model’ out of necessity and inconvenience those people who really benefit from care in place – especially in regional areas.
These supports are not optional extras – they’re essential to staying healthy and active, managing symptoms, avoiding unnecessary deterioration and maintaining independence.
Cut support, and you cut access – and people miss out on the care they need to manage their condition and maintain quality of life.
NDIS support coordination and plan management have been overlooked again, too. No price uplift despite rising complexity and demand. Our Member Organisations are already delivering many of these services with an increasing gap in funding, and hence operating services at an increasing loss. This is clearly unsustainable.
We’ve fought hard for a better NDIS, alongside our friends across the disability sector. The establishment of a neurological advisory body within the NDIA – secured through our Better NDIS for MS campaign – was a significant win. But this pricing decision makes it clear: the work is far from over.
The Government’s formal response to the NDIS Review is now months overdue. It’s time to act. It’s time for action. We need pricing that’s fair, transparent and grounded in reality so it doesn’t undermine care and stretch services to breaking point.
We’ll be taking this message to Ministers, Shadow Ministers, the Neurological Advisory Board and the crossbench in the weeks and months ahead.
In brighter news, World MS Day brought our community together in an unforgettable way. Our Co-Patron, Her Excellency the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC, hosted this year’s event, where we launched the new Living Well with MS wellness guides. Many who attended described the day as one of the most meaningful MS events they’ve ever experienced.
And finally, a heartfelt thank you to the thousands of people who took part in this year’s May 50K, raising more than $2.13M for MS research. A fantastic result, with great energy from all, across the month.
I was pleased to complete my 150km – including two painful half marathons – and more than doubled my fundraising target, thanks to my very generous supporters.
A reminder that donations for the May 50K remain open until 30 June. You can contribute to the MS Australia Team here.
