The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
OTA escalates campaign against NDIS price freeze
Occupational Therapy Australia has become the first major professional group to launch a concerted campaign to reverse its recent decision to slash prices paid for NDIS services. The organisation is urging members to meet their local MP’s to protest the move.
Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has launched an aggressive campaign against the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) latest pricing decision to slash travel reimbursements by 50% and continuing a freeze on hourly rates for occupational therapists (OTs).
The organisation claims these changes threaten the viability of OT services, particularly in rural and mobile settings, and may force providers to withdraw from communities altogether.
Over 15,000 people have already signed OTA’s online petition opposing the cuts with a further thousand contacting their local MPs using OTA’s email tool. The organisation is calling for an immediate 7% price increase and a restructured pricing model to reflect the actual costs of delivering specialist allied health services under the NDIS.
The announcement of the NDIA’s 2025–26 pricing decision has only intensified OTA’s campaign. The organisation says therapy rates have now been frozen for a staggering seventh year, while travel funding has been slashed in half, putting further pressure on an already strained workforce.
OTA warns these changes will have a cascading effect: services may be cut, therapists could abandon remote areas, and some providers may withdraw from the scheme altogether.
This petition is part of a broader, multi-pronged advocacy push that includes direct engagement with ministers, coordinated media outreach, and grassroots lobbying via local MPs. OTA believes the campaign’s strength lies in its visibility and volume—and is banking on that pressure to force a policy rethink.
Author’s Note
As today’s lead story makes clear, the arbitrary changes to NDIS pricing are beginning to attract organised opposition. How effective this will be in halting the cuts - particularly at a time when international issues and war are crowding out other issues in the political arena - is uncertain.
The difficulty is not the need for professional services - there is no doubt about this. The question is rather where the government will find this money at a time when it’s spending more than it’s raising in tax revenue.
Exactly where the cuts will fall appears to be still up in the air.
Nic Stuart, editor [email protected]
The Briefing
ART response - NDIS Division operations
by NDIS
The NDIS Division has released an ART response outlining its operational priorities and structure within the broader agency framework. The document clarifies internal functions and stakeholder relationships amid ongoing scrutiny of disability service delivery.
NDIS Incoming Government Brief
by Mental Health Australia
Mental Health Australia delivered a briefing on psychosocial disability and the NDIS to key government ministers on 20 June. The document aims to inform incoming leadership on improving mental health support within the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
DSWA Life Skills Lab Forum
by Down Syndrome Australia
DSWA hosted its Life Skills Lab Forum on 7 June, focusing on independence, planning and wellbeing for participants. Sessions featured practical workshops, panel discussions and group activities covering housing, decision-making, health and personal safety.
Share your PDA memories
by Physical Disability Australia
Physical Disability Australia is compiling stories and photos to mark its 30th anniversary in December. Contributors, past and present, are invited to share memories celebrating the organisation’s journey and impact across the disability community.
The Wrap
NDIS pricing changes 'incredibly cruel' says remote mobile therapy provider
by ABC
The NDIS has just released its annual pricing review, which sets limits on the amount that service providers can charge. The review includes cuts to the hourly rate for many allied health therapies, and for travel rates for client visits by some service providers. A regional physiotherapist and her client say the rates are unaffordable and will lead to NDIS participants missing out on vital therapies.
We cannot afford to walk away, let's not abandon the bush
by Farm Weekly
Proposed NDIS changes risk rural health services as regional loadings are cut. Families fear loss of access to vital therapy. I've spent much of my life working to ensure that people, regardless of postcode, can access the care they need. By Catherine Elliott, Chief Executive Officer, Rural Health West
States reject Queensland push to link disability support to GST reform
by AFR
The Victorian and West Australian premiers have rejected an attempt by the Queensland treasurer to use negotiations over funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme as leverage to reform how revenue raised by the GST is carved up between the states. Even the biggest proponent of GST reform, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, on Monday distanced himself from the remarks by Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki to The Australian Financial Review.
Why does the NDIS Pricing Review have experts on the edge?
by Disability Support Guide
The Australian Physiotherapy Association has called for the National Disability Insurance Agency to immediately halt the rollout of new pricing changes, following the results of the Annual Pricing Review. The Association says the decision to cut price limits and travel expenses for physiotherapists and other allied health professionals is shortsighted and neglectful.
Disability advocates fear travel cuts will pose major barrier for NDIS participants
by ABC Radio National
Leaders in the disability sector are worried cuts to NDIS travel costs could pose a major barrier for those who need at-home support. Updated NDIS pricing comes into effect next month, and includes lowering the price at which participants can be charged for certain therapies.
The Diary
