Peak body for psychology the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is urging all governments to work with psychologists, lived experience groups and parents of children with psychosocial or developmental disability following announced NDIS reforms.
The Independent NDIS Review Panel undertook significant consultation with the APS and the sector, and the APS would like to thank the review team and co-chairs Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM for their collaborative engagement.
On delivering evidence-based care for children, Dr Burgess thanked the Minister for National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten for listening to the APS saying “Endorsing evidence-based family-centred practices is a welcome step in the right direction to deliver children the most effective support”.
“These complex reforms require the government to work with the sector and people with disabilities every step of the way”. APS CEO Dr Zena Burgess said it is critical that funding continues to match need, regardless of whether a person with disability is within the NDIS or accessing new foundational supports.
“Needs-based funding can be delivered more efficiently and effectively if government works with the sector and participants. This includes adequate workforce funding to deliver foundational supports that currently do not exist.
“We hope the government also focusses on rectifying the significant challenges faced by people with psychosocial disability already within the NDIS,” she said.
A July survey of almost 800 APS members about their experience working in the NDIS found:
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23% of NDIS providers reported that the recommendations they make in their reports are never or rarely reflected in their clients’ plans
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91% reported that their clients have experienced inappropriate cuts or reductions to psychological supports in their plans
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51% reported that this happens often or always, and
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84% noted that their NDIS clients have been inappropriately told to access MBS-subsidised psychology sessions instead of accessing NDIS funding for psychology supports.
Psychosocial disability has not been well understood or managed within the NDIS. APS members and clients often report that service providers focus far too much on the symptoms of their mental ill-health, rather than the cause, which often requires psychological treatment.
“By addressing the underlying causes of psychosocial disability, we can improve mental health and independence more effectively and potentially reduce the need for costly day-to-day household services,” said Dr Burgess.
The APS is pleased that our recommendation for assessment costs to be covered by the NDIA has been well received, and the establishment of navigators. Both reforms will lower the financial and emotional burden on participants. Changes to allow people aged 65 and over access to the NDIS alongside aged care support is also long overdue and a welcome reform.
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on X: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 25,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.