Policy and Advocacy Disability Update July 19
NDIS Bill update
OTA made a second submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee (the Committee) on 12 July, which in undertaking its second inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 (the NDIS Bill). The Committee has been tasked with examining the Bill, and also the positions of state and territory governments on NDIS reforms. In our submission we reiterated our strong concerns about the NDIS Bill, which remain unaddressed despite recent Government amendments. The Committee’s final report is due to the Senate on 5 August and the NDIS Bill may be debated in the Senate later in the month, after being passed in the lower house in June 2024. Read OTA’s submission here.
NDIS 2024 Pricing Decision
OTA is continuing to advocate on NDIS pricing, following the release of the NDIA 2024 annual pricing review final report, which kept therapy supports at the same rate for the 5th year running. OTA has written to NDIA CEO Rebecca Falkingham to share our disappointment at the review outcome and raise the serious risk of OTs exiting the market due to ongoing financial pressures. OTA is also supporting AHPA on cross sector advocacy to amplify our voice across the allied health and disability sector.
To assist with OTA’s Advocacy efforts, complete OTA’s NDIS Provider Pulse Survey by COB 2 August to help us understand the impact of the NDIA’s pricing decision on you and your practice. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete and is available here.
A reminder that the NDIA is hosting pricing information sessions for providers in July, find out more and register here.