13/12/2024
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) today acknowledges the appointment of Dr Stephen Duckett AM to review the evidence case and pricing of music therapy under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This follows extensive advocacy from our association on behalf of participants, families and our members in recent weeks.
Music therapy is a sector dominated by qualified professional women. Given this, we are disappointed that Minister for the NDIS of Australia Hon. Bill Shorten MP did not appoint women to the review panel alongside Dr Duckett or substantially defer changes to pricing guidelines to help ease anxiety across our sector in the lead-up to the holiday season. However, we will be prudent and thorough in our collaboration with the review process.
To do so adequately, we have requested that Dr Duckett provide copies of the evidence the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) relied on in making its original mistaken decision. Furthermore, we request that he meet with participants, their families and our members to hear first-hand about the positive, transformative work of music therapy professionals across Australia.
The AMTA Board of Directors is currently reviewing the government's terms of reference. We will provide a further update and advice to our members and stakeholders shortly, following further consideration. In the meantime, further information relating to the review can be found in the statement on the NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10530-independent-review-ndis-funded-music-and-art-supports
📷 Text: "Music therapy belongs in the NDIS". A child and an adult use an electronic keyboard together.
