27/11/2024
AMT Calls on Federal Government to Fix NDIS Inequity and Recognise Remedial Massage Therapists
https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN6823
The Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) has launched a petition calling on the Federal Government to fix a significant policy inconsistency in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While the NDIS funds remedial massage as a valid treatment, only allied health practitioners are permitted to deliver this service. This exclusion unfairly denies people with disabilities the ability to access care from qualified remedial massage therapists, who are already recognised by private health insurers and through the Government’s Home Care Package scheme.
“It’s a glaring inconsistency,” said Rebecca Barnett, Executive Officer of AMT. “Remedial massage therapists are highly trained health care practitioners with nationally recognised qualifications, yet they are excluded from delivering care through the NDIS. Current policy restricts NDIS participants’ choice and limits access to effective, evidence-based treatments.”
“It’s galling that the very practitioners most qualified to perform remedial massage are unable to provide the service to NDIS participants,” Rebecca Barnett said. “Our petition calls for a common-sense approach that puts NDIS participants’ choice and access to care first.”
“AMT urges all Australians to support this campaign by signing the petition to ensure fair and equitable access to care for people with disabilities.”
Remedial massage therapists undergo rigorous training to support a wide range of clients, including those with chronic pain, mobility issues, and other complex needs. Their inclusion under the NDIS would broaden access to essential care for people with disabilities who could benefit from the skills and experience of these specifically trained professionals.
Jen Sargeson, a remedial massage therapist with experience treating disabled clients, shared the impact of this restriction: “Many of my clients rely on remedial massage to manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. It’s frustrating that they can’t use their NDIS funding to access my services. This petition is about giving people with disabilities the freedom to choose the best qualified provider for their needs.”
Perth NDIS participant, John Lynes, is bitterly disappointed that current policy is limiting his access to appropriate care. “I was absolutely gutted when I found out that my regular remedial massage will not be covered. I was in tears,” he said. “Remedial massage is the only effective therapy that keeps me mobile. It might sound a bit dramatic but it’s saving me from amputation of my foot.”
“Remedial massage allows me to maintain my quality of life, supporting me in my efforts to improve my fitness. It gives me some hope and motivation to keep fighting my disability, allowing me to enjoy my precious time with my beloved family, playing with my gorgeous granddaughters.”
John says that he cannot find an allied health practitioner who can provide remedial massage. “I have not been able to find anyone who can provide the treatment that is the most effective for me.”
The AMT petition calls on the Government to recognise qualified remedial massage as providers within the NDIS. Aligning the NDIS with other national schemes would empower NDIS participants with greater choice and equitable access to care.
Petition link
https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN6823
About AMT:
The Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) represents massage therapists across Australia, advocating for high standards of practice and access to massage therapy services for all Australians. AMT’s petition seeks to bring positive reform to the NDIS by ensuring people with disabilities have access to the same range of qualified providers available under other national programs.
