Music Therapy Funding Cut

28th November 2024

Under recently legislated changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), funding has been cut for music therapy and art therapy. The premise of the changes is that these therapies lack the evidence basis for improving the functional capacity of people with disabilities.

The Australian Music Therapy Association and its members, the entire profession of Registered Music Therapists in Australia, were blindsided by this decision and were only made aware of it last Friday (22nd November) for a change that would have commenced on 2nd December.

This story is developing quickly. Since Monday:

  • The NDIA (the agency managing the NDIS) has made a statement, announcing a delay to the changes until February 2025, and clarifying the reduced rates of subsidy for music therapy.
  • The story has been covered by ABC, Sydney Morning Herald
  • The Minister’s office has said that funding isn’t cut altogether, only the allocation is changing.
  • There is widespread public outcry about this issue including from RMTs, the music sector, disability advocates, and some politicians.
  • AMTA has secured a meeting with the Minister, Bill Shorten.

The best source of information is AMTA: www.austmta.org.au

Read more: AMTA letter to the Minister

How does music therapy help?

  • Music therapy improves speech, communication and social skills
  • Music therapy improves body movement, coordination and physical function
  • Music therapy improves memory, attention and cognitive function
  • Music therapy improves pain management
  • read more