25/11/2024
A note before reading to my current clients. I know this is stressful news. Please look after yourself. I will be calling each of you tomorrow to make a plan for your child.
I need your help! As many of you know, I work as a Registered Music Therapist. This is a Masters level, evidence based allied health profession with the same level of qualification as occupational and speech therapists. I support children in reaching their communication, social, motor, emotional and cognitive goals through music. All of these children access music therapy through the NDIS. This is where I need your help. The NDIS have decided that they will no longer fund music therapy under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category. There was no consultation with the AMTA (the music therapy body in Australia). I have been told that from the 2nd of December, a week away, my clients will no longer be able to access music therapy. This is a huge loss for these children, for many of whom music therapy is the only therapy they currently engage in. It is also a loss of my entire business and income. Neither the NDIA nor the Department of Social Services has provided a reason for the decision. There are 950 music therapists in Australia who will be affected by this decision yet none of them were consulted. We need your help!
I, along with the AMTA ask that the NDIA pause, provide the reason and protect participant choice.
What you can do
1 – Share AMTA’s statement to your own channels, with your own comment. https://www.austmta.org.au/news-item/17772/ndis-funding-for-music-therapy-to-be-removed
2 – Use this template to send a letter to your federal member of parliament. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YBXxH0TvERKTAIZXGRDQHZdG4MBPhugm
Please contact me if you have any questions or want further information.
