Media statement
Audiology Australia shares the concerns of Australia’s allied health community following the passage of NDIS reform legislation, which proceeded with limited consideration of the sector’s recommendations and concerns.
We support efforts to strengthen the sustainability and integrity of the NDIS; however, fundamentally, the Bill still proposes overhauls that are expected to see approximately 160,000 individuals losing access to the NDIS from January 2028. The Minister has indicated that these individuals will instead be serviced by alternative support arrangements provided by the states and territories, but it is unclear what these arrangements will look like and whether they will be ready.
People with hearing loss already navigate multiple funding services including the NDIS, Hearing Services Program, industrial schemes, and private and public health services.
Audiology Australia believes that any new further, alternative arrangements must consider existing service delivery to minimise duplication, administrative complexity, inconsistent decision-making and the risk of unintentionally creating further service gaps.
Audiology Australia will continue to advocate for solutions in conjunction with the wider allied health sector that support equitable access to essential services for people with hearing loss and other people in need of allied health care.
We support and share the position of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), who coordinated Australia’s allied health sector’s response, that: ‘Whether support is delivered through the NDIS, foundational supports or the broader health system, no Australian should be left without access to the essential allied health care they need to function, participate and thrive.’
For more information
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026