A statement from Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and the allied health peak associations, in response to
the Australian Government’s new planning framework for the NDIS, scheduled to commence in July 2026.
We recognise that
changes to NDIS planning
are causing concern for many participants, families and allied health professionals. This is a time
for considered constructive engagement. AHPA and its member allied health peak associations are working closely and
directly with Government to help shape the rules underpinning new framework planning, with a clear focus on protecting
access to appropriate allied health supports.
We encourage all stakeholders to engage in the consultation process in a way that supports the best possible outcome
for participants and the sector.
Public consultation is currently underway to inform
development of the NDIS Rules
that will underpin new framework planning. The Rules are currently in development and not yet available for the
sector to review. We understand that this lack of visibility creates frustration and uncertainty for people with
disability and the allied health professionals who support them.
Under the proposed new approach, a Support Needs Assessment will be carried out to determine a
participant’s budget and their eligibility to access therapy supports provided by allied health professionals. Getting
this process right will be extremely important and is a key focus for AHPA and the allied health peak
associations.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have engaged the
allied health professional associations for expert advice on defining therapy supports to inform the development of
the draft
NDIS Supports Rules
. Given the diversity and complexity of the sector, this is a challenging process.
AHPA, in collaboration with the allied health peak associations is actively and constructively working with the
Department and NDIA to inform their drafting of the Rules. Once this work is complete, we understand public
consultation on the amended Rules will commence in March 2026.
The upcoming public consultation process will be an important opportunity for participants, providers and
the broader allied health sector to review the amended Rules and provide feedback.
We will continue to engage at every stage of this process to help ensure the final Rules reflect
the expertise of the allied health sector and safeguard participants’ access to the supports they
need.
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