Tens of thousands of Australians have joined a growing movement to oppose recent changes to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing, with a community petition officially tabled in Parliament today by Senator Jordon Steele-John.
More than 60,000 people have signed the Stand Up for Disability Support: Stop the NDIS Cuts petition, which urges the government to halt the funding cuts introduced on 1 July that are already limiting access to essential allied health supports, including physiotherapy and dietetics.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), together with cosignatory Dietitians Australia and several other supporting organisations, launched the petition to ensure that people with disability, particularly those with complex needs, are not left behind.
'People with disability must be at the centre of all decisions that affect their care,' said APA National President Dr Rik Dawson.
'The current pricing model is already creating real hardship for participants in rural and remote areas, those with complex needs, and those who rely on home-based services. This petition presents a critical opportunity for our leaders to listen and act.'
Dietitians Australia Chief Executive Officer Magriet Raxworthy echoed Dr Dawson's comments.
'Dietitians Australia expresses its sincere gratitude to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services for raising the alert today in the Senate, on the significant risk the recent NDIS changes have presented for people with disability in Australia who need allied health support.'
'No person with disability in Australia deserves to be denied the essential allied healthcare, including dietetic support, they need to sustain quality of life and independence,' she said.
The petition continues to reflect growing concern from participants, carers, clinicians, and providers that recent pricing changes do not reflect the true value of delivering safe, effective and timely care.
In some communities, these cuts have left participants unable to access essential supports.
Dr Dawson and Ms Raxworthy said the APA and Dietitians Australia were both committed to working constructively with government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to build a pricing model that works for participants and ensures the long-term sustainability of the scheme.
'We're incredibly encouraged that Senator Steele-John is elevating these voices in Parliament. This is a positive and necessary step in the right direction,' Dr Dawson said.
After tabling the petition in the Senate this afternoon, Senator Steele-John emphasised the importance of grounding NDIS funding decisions in evidence, transparency, and the lived experiences of people with disability.
'I'd like to say thank you to the more than 60,000 people who have signed this petition. I am proud to be tabling this petition in the Senate today.
Together, we're making people's concerns about the NDIS Price Guide changes impossible to ignore.'
'We know these pricing cuts show a deep disconnect from the reality disabled people live every day. The NDIS must be able to set up to provide people supports when and where they need it.
The APA and Dietitians Australia continue to advocate for fair pricing and access to appropriate care from practitioners with the right skills and experience - that truly reflects the value of care provided for people with disability in Australia.
All parties are available for comment.
