Read a joint statement from Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and allied health peak associations re: NDIS planning
19 Feb 2026
A joint statement from Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and allied health peak associations including the APodA in response to the Australian Government’s new framework planning for the NDIS, scheduled to commence in July 2026. Read via AHPA's website >>
We recognise that changes to NDIS planning are causing concern for many participants, families and allied health professionals. This is a time for considered constructive engagement. AHPA and its member allied health peak associations are working closely and directly with Government to help shape the rules underpinning new framework planning, with a clear focus on protecting access to appropriate allied health supports.
We encourage all stakeholders to engage in the consultation process in a way that supports the best possible outcome for participants and the sector.
Public consultation is currently underway to inform development of the NDIS Rules that will underpin new framework planning. The Rules are currently in development and not yet available for the sector to review. We understand that this lack of visibility creates frustration and uncertainty for people with disability and the allied health professionals who support them.
Under the proposed new approach, a Support Needs Assessment will be carried out to determine a participant’s budget and their eligibility to access therapy supports provided by allied health professionals. Getting this process right will be extremely important and is a key focus for AHPA and the allied health peak associations.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have engaged the allied health professional associations for expert advice on defining therapy supports to inform the development of the draft NDIS Supports Rules. Given the diversity and complexity of the sector, this is a challenging process.
AHPA, in collaboration with the allied health peak associations is actively and constructively working with the Department and NDIA to inform their drafting of the Rules. Once this work is complete, we understand public consultation on the amended Rules will commence in March 2026.
The upcoming public consultation process will be an important opportunity for participants, providers and the broader allied health sector to review the amended Rules and provide feedback.
We will continue to engage at every stage of this process to help ensure the final Rules reflect the expertise of the allied health sector and safeguard participants’ access to the supports they need.
