In 2024, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) announced changes to the funding of art and music therapy services, sparking widespread concern among participants, practitioners, and advocacy groups. These therapies have long been valued for their role in supporting mental health, emotional expression, and functional capacity in people with disabilities. This article explores the implications of these changes, the government’s rationale, and the response from the disability community and practitioners.
Keywords: NDIS art and music therapy cuts, 2024 NDIS funding changes, Impact of NDIS therapy reclassification, NDIS music therapy reduction, NDIS art therapy funding, Disability support services changes, Art and music therapy benefits, Creative therapies and NDIS, Evidence-based therapies NDIS
1. Overview of the Changes
In late 2024, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) reclassified art and music therapies, stating that they “do not meet the evidentiary standards required to be classified as therapy under the definition of NDIS supports” (NDIS, 2024). The changes, set to take effect on 1 February 2025, include:
- A reduction in funding for these services, with a new “community rate” of $68 per hour compared to the previous standard rate of $194 per hour.
- The requirement for participants to demonstrate how these therapies directly improve or maintain functional capacity to qualify for full funding (ABC News, 2024).
2. Rationale Behind the Decision
The NDIA justifies the changes by emphasising the need for evidence-based practices that align with the NDIS’s objective of funding reasonable and necessary supports. According to NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, “These therapies are beneficial, but their effectiveness must be established with stronger evidence before they can be considered core therapeutic supports” (Shorten, 2024). This decision reflects a broader effort to prioritise funding for services with well-documented outcomes.
3. Implications for NDIS Participants
3.1 Loss of Accessibility
For many participants, the reduced funding rates make art and music therapies financially inaccessible. These therapies often play a crucial role in helping individuals express emotions, build social skills, and improve cognitive function (Australian Music Therapy Association, 2024).
3.2 Emotional and Developmental Impact
Children with autism, for example, have demonstrated significant developmental progress through music therapy. Parents of four-year-old Arlo, who communicates needs through song due to his autism, fear that reduced access to music therapy will hinder his growth (Adelaide Now, 2024).
3.3 Marginalisation of Creative Therapies
Advocates argue that excluding these therapies perpetuates the marginalisation of creative and alternative treatments in the disability sector, limiting the diversity of approaches available to participants (ANZACATA, 2024).
4. Practitioner and Advocacy Responses
Practitioners and advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the changes:
- The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) criticised the decision, arguing that art and music therapies are evidence-based and provide essential support for participants (Daily Telegraph, 2024).
- A joint statement from advocacy groups highlighted the lack of consultation before implementing the changes, stating, “These therapies address emotional, psychological, and developmental needs that are not adequately met by other interventions” (PWD Australia, 2024).
5. Broader Impact on Service Providers
The changes also impact service providers, many of whom fear the reduced funding rates will make their practices unsustainable. This could lead to a significant reduction in available services, job losses, and reduced accessibility for vulnerable populations. The NDIA has referred art and music therapy to its Evidence Advisory Committee for further evaluation, but no timeline for a review has been provided (NDIS, 2024).
6. Counterarguments and Future Considerations
6.1 Evidence-Based Practice
While the NDIA emphasises the need for evidence-based supports, critics argue that emerging therapies often lack extensive studies due to underfunding, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of exclusion (Greens Australia, 2024).
6.2 The Importance of Creative Expression
Creative therapies provide unique benefits, such as improving emotional regulation and fostering social connections, particularly for individuals with complex needs. Advocacy groups suggest expanding research funding to build a stronger evidence base for these therapies.
Conclusion
The 2024 NDIS decision to reduce funding for art and music therapies has sparked significant debate about the balance between evidence-based practice and participant-centred care. While the government highlights sustainability and accountability, the personal stories of participants underscore the vital role these therapies play in improving quality of life. Moving forward, a collaborative approach involving stakeholders, participants, and practitioners is essential to ensure NDIS policies reflect the diverse needs of the disability community.
References
- Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). (2024). Impact of Music Therapy in Disability Services. Retrieved from https://www.austmusictherapy.org.au
- Adelaide Now. (2024). Parents fear loss of music therapy after NDIS cuts. Retrieved from https://www.adelaidenow.com.au
- ANZACATA. (2024). Creative Therapies and Their Role in Disability Support. Retrieved from https://www.anzacata.org
- Daily Telegraph. (2024). Outrage over NDIS cuts to art and music therapy. Retrieved from https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au
- Greens Australia. (2024). Statement on NDIS Cuts to Creative Therapies. Retrieved from https://greens.org.au
- NDIS. (2024). Statement: NDIS Funded Music and Art Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.ndis.gov.au
- PWD Australia. (2024). Joint Statement on Art and Music Therapy Funding Cuts. Retrieved from https://pwd.org.au
- Shorten, B. (2024). NDIS Changes and Prioritising Evidence-Based Supports. Speech at NDIS Forum. Retrieved from https://www.ndisforum.gov.au
How to get in touch
If you or your NDIS participant need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.
