An independent review of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing for music and art therapy supports received about 600 submissions and is now complete.
Health economist Dr Stephen Duckett AM undertook the review.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) said in a statement on the NDIS website on 17 April 2025 that “until the new operational guidance is published later this year there are no changes to the status of music and art therapy as NDIS supports”.
“Regardless of the review findings, music and art therapy will remain part of the NDIS scheme for eligible participants,” the agency said in an earlier statement on 14 March.
“Art and music therapy are NDIS supports. This review is not considering whether music and art therapy will remain approved NDIS supports, but rather their effectiveness and appropriate price levels.”
The review set out to assess:
- Evidence of effectiveness of art and music therapy for people with disability
- Qualifications and registration of music and art practitioners
- Pricing of art and music support.
The agency said on 17 April that it had received the final report from Dr Duckett. It will consider the report’s recommendations when developing operational guidance for NDIA decision-makers and in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
The agency will finalise the operational guidance later in 2025 and publish it in coming months alongside Dr Duckett’s report and the NDIA’s response.
An accessible version of the full report, the NDIS response to the report, and key information will also be published in Easy Read and Auslan.
The NDIA said NDIS participants could continue to access music and art therapy through their current arrangements during the review process and NDIS providers may continue claiming at current pricing levels as listed in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
The review was scheduled to conclude in March but was extended until 17 April to enable Dr Duckett further time to assess all information, including from relevant peak bodies.
Music therapists welcome
The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) said in a statement on its website that it “welcomed this important milestone” and remained committed to working with the NDIA as the next phase begins.
“We particularly welcome the NDIA’s reiteration that so far there have been no changes to the way music therapy is treated under the NDIS,” AMTA said.
“We welcome the thoroughness of Dr Duckett’s review and look forward to engaging with the NDIA on the forthcoming operational guidelines,” said AMTA president and registered music therapist, Ms Monica Zidar.
“Our door remains open to decision-makers, policymakers and key stakeholders to discuss the integral role of music therapy in the lives of people with disability,” she said.
“We acknowledge that this remains an anxious time for AMTA members and music therapy participants. AMTA hopes to hear from the NDIA soon regarding the review’s findings.”
Zidar said AMTA, the government-recognised peak body for the music therapy profession in Australia, continued to advocate strongly for music therapy’s rightful place as a NDIS-funded support.
“Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession,” she said. “Every day, qualified, highly skilled AMT-registered music therapists change people’s lives. This work must be properly recognised, valued and funded.”
The 2025 AMTA federal election statement urges all candidates in the upcoming election to commit to expanding the role of allied health – including music therapy – in Australia’s primary care networks.
In December 2025, Parents of Deaf Children (PODC) president Ms Suzanne Robertson said: “Music therapy isn’t just a “nice-to-have”— it’s a vital tool that supports the growth and development of children with disabilities, including those in our community.
“Over the years, so many of our families have used music therapy, and we’ve seen the incredible difference it makes in the lives of children with disability, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.”
Robertson said that for many families, music therapy was more than just an activity; it was a way for their children to connect, grow, and thrive.
A petition to keep music therapy as a NDIS funded therapeutic support has received more than 62,000 signatures.
More reading
Parents of Deaf Children oppose NDIS plan to change access to music therapy
Independent review announced for music and art therapy supports in NDIS
