5min read
Customer education, Just Browsing, Managing supports, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
February 14, 2025
Key Points
Summary
The NDIS aims to review the pricing structure of music and art therapy services to ensure that they are effective and priced fairly. One of the possible changes that NDIS participants can expect to see is the introduction of alternatives like group sessions if found to be as effective as one-on-one therapy at a lower cost. As noted by Bill Shorten, the Minister of the NDIS, the goal of the review is to ensure the inclusivity and long-term sustainability of the insurance scheme by preventing participants from getting overcharged by service providers.
Outline
1. Introduction
2. Why Is the Review Happening?
3. Families Speak Out
4. Finding the Balance: Fair Pricing and Sustainability
5. What Could Change?
6. Looking to the Future
7. Need to Update Your Plan?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about changes to music and art therapy funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
If you’ve heard rumours about music and art therapy for NDIS participants being cut, let’s clear things up; what’s happening is a review of the pricing structure, not the elimination of these valuable services.
Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, made this point clear in a recent ABC Tasmania Mornings interview with Leon Compton.
“We’re not cutting music therapy out of people’s plans,” Shorten said.
“This is about changing the pricing structure, not eliminating the service. It’s critical to understand the distinction.”
The review is about ensuring therapies deliver measurable results while keeping the system fair and sustainable for everyone involved.
Understandably, the possibility of changes has sparked concerns, especially among families who rely on these services. Let’s break down what’s actually happening and why.
The review, led by Professor Stephen Duckett, a respected health policy expert and one of Medicare’s original architects, is focused on the evidence base behind music and art therapies.
The goal is simple: assess whether these therapies deliver measurable benefits for NDIS participants.
Shorten explained his decision to bring in an independent expert:
“I’m not an autism or therapy expert, so I’ve asked someone qualified to lead this process. If the evidence supports music therapy as a meaningful intervention, that’s great. If it doesn’t, we need to address that too.”
A major concern driving this review is the issue of unqualified providers charging high rates without delivering effective results. Some unregistered providers have been charging up to $193 per hour while offering services that fall short of professional standards. Shorten was clear that protecting families from price gouging and ensuring quality is a priority.
For many families, music therapy is life-changing. Carol, a mother of two young boys with significant developmental challenges, shared how crucial the therapy has been for her family.
“Our lives are already filled with anxiety, and this adds to it,” she said.
“The therapy is transformative for my sons. Their therapist is highly qualified and provides a personalised approach that makes a real difference.”
Stories like Carol’s highlight why the conversation around pricing needs care and clarity. Mr. Shorten acknowledged the emotional strain but reassured families that existing plans won’t be affected during the review, which is set to conclude in March.
The NDIS has grown rapidly since its inception, now supporting around 680,000 Australians and accounting for nearly 2% of the country’s GDP.
That growth has raised sustainability questions, with costs rising at a rate of 23% annually before Mr. Shorten took on the portfolio.
“The scheme was growing at an unsustainable rate of 23% annually before I became Minister. We’re not cutting the scheme, but we need to ensure its long-term sustainability,” Shorten explained.
A key part of the review involves ensuring value for money without compromising quality care. Shorten also addressed concerns about providers charging NDIS participants more than standard market rates.
“We’ve made it illegal for providers to hike prices unfairly. If you have evidence of this happening, we’ll act on it,” he stated.
The review aims to ensure therapies are both effective and fairly priced. While there’s no suggestion that music therapy will be removed from plans, the pricing structure may be adjusted. This could mean options like group sessions being explored as a lower-cost alternative, provided they offer comparable benefits.
Mr. Shorten stressed that the review’s decisions will be guided by evidence:
“If the review finds that $193-an-hour one-on-one therapy is delivering real outcomes, I couldn’t be happier to keep it. But we also need to consider alternatives, such as group sessions, that may provide similar benefits at a lower cost.”
Beyond this review, Shorten emphasised the importance of “politician-proofing” the NDIS. His goal is to ensure the scheme’s sustainability and fairness don’t depend on who’s in charge.
“The NDIS is a national achievement. It’s about inclusion and making sure people with disabilities aren’t defined by their limitations but empowered to live fuller lives,” he said.
The independent review’s findings are expected by mid-March 2025. Until then, Shorten encourages families and participants to share their experiences, ensuring the system remains responsive to their needs.
If you or someone you know needs help updating their NDIS plan, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices. Our Plan Review service is focused on helping participants make the most out of their funding, which includes accessing vital support services like music and art therapy for NDIS.
Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you create a better life through our NDIS Plan Review and NDIS Plan Management services.
For further reading:
August 8, 2025
Customer education, Just Browsing, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Understanding NDIS
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