Submission to the NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2025-2026

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has submitted a response to the NDIA’s 2025‑2026 Annual Pricing Review, continuing our advocacy for fair pricing of NDIS psychology services. Our advocacy centres on three imperatives:

1. Protect equity and access by reject differentiated pricing within psychology.  The APS does not support the introduction of multiple price tiers withing NDIS psychology services. Differentiated pricing within psychology supports threatens to compound inequitable access and lead to further market fragmentation. The single biggest risk is a reduction in support for participants who need it the most. We submit that differentiated pricing is not an appropriate way to address the costs involved in providing NDIS psychology supports.
    
2. Reflect the true cost of NDIS psychology services. Current pricing models continue to ignore the extensive unfunded coordination, reporting, and service‑navigation work that psychologists must perform. Variability in session length, preparation, follow‑up and travel, especially in regional and remote settings, are not captured by standard hourly rates. Direct comparisons with other pricing arrangements, such as the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) not appropriate, as a result.
    
3. Ease the administrative burden on psychologists. Simplifying regulatory and compliance requirements on psychologists is essential as part of any ongoing pricing reform. The considerable, and often redundant, costs of providing NDIS services is insufficiently costed in current pricing approaches. Sustainable pricing must also be considered through a workforce lens, ensuring that psychologists can continue to work in the NDIS, maintain participant choice, and deliver high‑quality, continuous care across Australia.

The APS thanks the many psychologists who contributed their expertise to this submission. We remain committed to advocating for fair, sustainable funding that recognises the essential role psychologists play in delivering high‑quality NDIS supports.

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