Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Last month I met with more than a dozen of Indi's physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, speech pathologists and support coordinators about their serious concerns and worries about the recent NDIS pricing review changes, particularly the changes to travel. Under the new rules, the amount that therapy providers can claim for travel is halved. The NDIA says the changes respond to participants whose travel costs are draining their plans. This might be true in the cities, but this cookie-cutter approach completely fails to recognise how NDIS service providers operate in regional areas, and the impacts are dire for communities like mine.

In Indi, providers aren't just travelling 15 minutes to see a client; they are often making a two-hour round trip from our bigger towns like Wangaratta or Wodonga to smaller communities like Corryong and the Upper Murray or Myrtleford in the Alpine Shire. Slashing travel prices will likely mean it is no longer financially viable for NDIS providers to reach these communities and provide home based supports that are crucial for participant choice and comfort.

I heard from one of just two paediatric dietitians in the region who may no longer be able to provide home based care. Children on PEG feeds could miss out on feeds or assessments, and that is unacceptable—absolutely unacceptable. I urge the government to pause these pricing changes immediately, to consult with providers and to protect these NDIS services in the regions.

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