NDIS
Most of us are aware of the significant changes announced in October 2024, regarding what supports could and could not be funded through the NDIA. When the initial list was released, Art and Music Therapies were on the “out list”. However, a strong and coordinated campaign from the disability sector resulted in those therapies being re-instated to the “in list” with the NDIA promising to review this decision, citing the need to receive evidence of the efficacies of those supports.
On 10 September 2025 the NDIA announced that Art and Music Therapies would continue to be available to participants of the Scheme as they conceded there is indeed evidence that this therapy provides beneficial outcomes for participants.
The Independent Review of Art and Music Therapies led by leading health economist Dr Stephen Duckett AM confirmed that they could be effective and beneficial in the right circumstances.
In handing down his findings Dr Stephen Duckett said:
“This finding arose out of reading the research, with the research findings given life by reading and listening to the deeply personal stories we heard from people with disability and their families and therapists.
There also needs to be a much clearer distinction between art and music as a therapeutic support, and art and music as a non-therapeutic support.
Where an artist or musician does not have the relevant qualifications to register with one of the professional therapy associations, they should not be charging the therapy price limit.”
Key Findings from the Duckett Review
The review made a number of recommendations, including:
- Therapist qualifications:
- Art therapy must be delivered by therapists registered with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA).
- Music therapy must be delivered by therapists registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
- National price limit: A new maximum price of $156.16 per hour for Art and Music Therapy, in line with counselling.
- Funding scope: NDIS funding cannot be used to cover the cost of art and music activities themselves, but can be used to support participation in those activities.
- Further evidence review: The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee will assess the evidence base of art and music therapy interventions for specific groups as part of its 2025–26 work plan.
The Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) Guide will be updated to reflect the new pricing for art and music therapies, effective 24 November 2025. In the meantime, participants can continue to access the supports outlined in their NDIS plans.
What Does This Mean for Therapies?
From the NDIA’s point of view: “We’ve received evidence that Art and Music Therapies work, but we’re still not convinced, so we’re going to look into it further.”
What Does This Mean for Support Coordinators?
There are only two circumstances where a participant can purchase these supports from their NDIS plan:
- Art or Music Therapy is specifically written into the participant’s NDIS plan
- Capacity Building supports are specifically written as “flexible” within the NDIS plan
If neither applies, participants can request a variation of their plan to include Art or Music Therapy or have Capacity Building supports written as flexible (s47).
Other key points:
- Always check the therapist’s credentials. Qualified therapists should publish membership details in their email footer.
- For longer-term needs, ensure evidence is clearly documented so the supports remain in future participant NDIS plans.
- Capture how the therapy benefits your participant and provide evidence of the outcomes achieved. Therapists’ reports and reduction in incident reports can help.
- Best practice is to include all the above in your Support Coordination Action Plan so you can track tasks, responsibilities and outcomes achieved.
Useful Links
- Duckett review confirms art and music therapy to continue
- NDIS Operational Guidelines
- DSS Section 33 factsheet
- NDIS FAQs page
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