06/12/2024
Looking forward, we are hopeful that this dialogue will lead to meaningful and positive impacts for participants, families, and music therapy professionals alike. The commitment to sustaining the NDIS and prioritising the needs of its participants sets a hopeful tone for the future of music therapy services.
The AMTA today had a constructive discussion with Minister Bill Shorten in relation to its concerns on behalf of thousands of participants, their families and music therapy professionals.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of music therapy as an evidence-based support and the critical work that our members do to improve functional outcomes for participants. We acknowledge the Minister gave us a fair hearing.
In a positive step forward, Minister Shorten acknowledged the importance and need for a fair and transparent review of music therapy to maintain and ensure the quality of therapeutic services being provided to participants under the NDIS.
We look forward to continuing to be consulted on this issue, including the development of a Terms of Reference for any review and input into a review panel that includes representation by women. The AMTA maintains that more time should be provided to enable a comprehensive review, consultation and decision making. On this basis we maintain there should be no changes to the pricing guidelines until at least July 2025. We anticipate further detail, from the Minister, shortly.
The AMTA is committed to the long-term sustainability of the NDIS and will always put the interests of the participants, their families and our membership first.
📷 Dr Grace Thompson RMT, Minister Bill Shorten MP and Monica Zidar RMT
