Recently, leaked and alarming information triggered a rapid and exceptional advocacy response from Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). In a real David and Goliath effort, our smallest Allied Health discipline had the entire sector and national media mobilised in mere days. Their efforts seem to have resulted in at the least a review of the original decision and at best a complete reversal. Here we chat to AMTA president and Nacre member, Monica Zidar about how they did it.
How did you feel when you heard the leaked news about the changes that were planned to the way in which Music Therapy was going to be funded by the NDIS?
“When I first heard the leaked news about the planned changes to the funding of Music Therapy under the NDIS, on Friday, 22nd November, we heard that the new guidelines would be published in just three days, on Monday, 25th November 2024. Music therapy was out. No consultation. My immediate reaction was a mix of disbelief, concern, and profound sadness. Disbelief, because as a professional, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact music therapy has had on participants’ lives, from improving communication to fostering emotional expression and social connections. It was hard to comprehend how such a powerful and evidence-supported therapeutic modality could be sidelined, without notice.
The concern quickly set in as I thought about the ripple effect this change would have—not just on music therapists, but most importantly, on participants and their families. Many people who rely on music therapy as a lifeline for growth, connection, and joy were at risk of losing access to a service that had become integral to their development and well-being.
Then came the sadness. For our field and for the participants whose voices may not have been fully considered in this decision-making process. Music therapy is unique in its ability to meet people where they are, to honour their preferences, and to create space for meaningful therapeutic engagement in ways that other modalities may not. It felt as though this vital nuance was being overlooked in favour of a narrower definition of “evidence-based.”
This news only reinforced my commitment to advocating for our profession and for the participants who benefit from music therapy. It’s a reminder of how crucial it is to amplify their stories and ensure that their experiences are at the forefront of these conversations.”
To respond to the urgency of the situation, it sounds like you pulled together a strategy and a team pretty quickly. Where did you start?
“When the urgency of the situation became clear, the first step was to focus on mobilising support and ensuring that the voices of participants, families, and music therapists were heard. We began by reaching out to colleagues within the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) to assess the immediate impact of the changes and to formulate a strategy that was both evidence-based and participant-focused.
We quickly formed a working group that included professional strategic crisis control consultants, music therapists, academics, and key stakeholders. The goal was to pool our collective knowledge and resources to respond effectively and advocate for music therapy’s rightful place within the NDIS. Our starting point was to deeply understand the changes—analysing the revised definitions of “evidence-based therapy” and how music therapy was being evaluated. We also sought clarity on the decision-making process and engaged with experts in NDIS policy to guide our approach. Nothing was clear and nobody would communicate with us.
Simultaneously, we prioritised gathering real-world evidence and stories. We reached out to participants and their families, asking them to share how music therapy had impacted their lives. These stories were crucial for demonstrating the human cost of removing funding and for showing that the outcomes of music therapy are deeply meaningful and transformative.
We also worked to align with Allied Health organisations, including Allied Health Professions Australia, the Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, the unions and disability advocacy organisations and our MPs, to strengthen our collective voice. Collaboration and unity were essential, as the issue transcended just music therapy—it was about ensuring participants’ needs were met through a range of diverse, evidence-informed supports.
This initial strategy allowed us to respond rapidly while also building a strong foundation for ongoing advocacy. By combining data, participant voices, and professional expertise, we were able to develop a coherent and compelling response to the changes.”
It was interesting watching the Allied Health sector spring to the defence of Music Therapy and mobilise through social media – what are your thoughts on why that happened so quickly?
“It was both inspiring and validating to see the Allied Health sector rally so quickly in defence of Music Therapy. I believe this rapid mobilisation happened for several key reasons.
There is a deep respect within the Allied Health community for the unique contributions that different disciplines bring to client care. Music Therapy, in particular, is widely recognised for its ability to engage participants in ways that other therapies sometimes cannot. Many Allied Health professionals have seen firsthand how music therapy complements their own work, enhancing outcomes for shared clients. This mutual respect fostered a sense of shared responsibility to advocate for its continued inclusion under the NDIS.
The changes represented a broader threat to participant choice and control, a foundational principle of the NDIS. The Allied Health sector understood that if one discipline could be excluded based on a narrow definition of evidence, it set a concerning precedent for other therapies. This realisation united professionals across disciplines to stand together in defence of equitable, participant-centred care.
Social media played a significant role in amplifying this collective voice. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram allowed professionals to share their perspectives, participant stories, and evidence quickly and widely. The immediacy and accessibility of social media enabled the sector to coordinate and respond in real time, creating a powerful groundswell of support. So much so, that our professional advisors commented that the response to action was extraordinary, something they don’t even see when unions ask their members to mobilise.
Adding to this momentum was the profound response from the media, which continues to amplify the conversation even 2.5 weeks later. Major outlets, including print, online, and broadcast media, have picked up the story, sharing powerful participant stories and expert commentary. This sustained coverage has not only kept the issue in the public eye but has also provided an important platform for music therapists, participants, and their families to share their experiences and advocate for change. The media’s role in bringing these stories to light has been instrumental in maintaining pressure on decision-makers and ensuring that the voices of those most impacted are heard.
Finally, I think the passion and dedication of music therapists themselves inspired others to act. The profession’s willingness to fight for participants and its openness in sharing the transformative impact of music therapy galvanised the broader Allied Health community. It reminded everyone of why we do this work: to ensure that people receive the supports they need to live full, meaningful lives.
In many ways, the response underscored the strength of the Allied Health sector when we come together with a shared purpose. It was a powerful reminder that advocacy is most effective when it is collective, values-driven, and deeply rooted in the needs of those we serve.”
You secured a meeting with the Minister. What can you tell us about that?
“Securing a meeting with the Minister was a pivotal moment in our advocacy efforts, and it underscored the importance of persistence and collaboration. The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to present our case directly to Minister Shorten and the National Disability Insurance Agency, highlighting the profound impact of music therapy on NDIS participants and their families
In preparation, we worked tirelessly to ensure our message was clear, evidence-based, and participant-centred. We shared case studies, presented research that demonstrated the outcomes of music therapy, and we highlighted the master’s level qualification and strict regulatory requirements involved in being registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association. Most importantly, we brought forward the voices of participants themselves—their stories were at the heart of our advocacy.
During the meeting, we emphasised the diversity and inclusivity of music therapy and its unique ability to engage participants who might not otherwise respond to “traditional” therapies. We also addressed concerns about evidence, explaining how music therapy meets the NDIS principles of supporting functional outcomes and participant choice. It was a chance to challenge misconceptions and advocate for a broader understanding of what evidence-based therapy can look like, especially for therapies that rely on individualised, participant-driven goals.
The Minister was open and listening. While no immediate commitments were made, we left feeling that our concerns had been heard and that there was a willingness to explore the issue further. The meeting also reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue—not just with the Minister, but with other stakeholders in the NDIA and Allied Health sectors.
This meeting was a significant step forward, but it is part of a much larger journey that is not over yet. We remain committed to working collaboratively, not only with the government and NDIA but with participants, families, and Allied Health professionals, to ensure music therapy continues to be a valued and accessible support under the NDIS.”
What’s coming
The Agency are currently pulling together an Evidence Advisory Committee and a range of subcommittees. Applications for this close on December 17th 2024. The subcommittees are called Capacity Building and Therapies Subcommittee, Assistive Technology and Capital Subcommittee and Economics Subcommittee.
More information can be found here.
One can assume that more and more scrutiny will be placed on Allied Health work to demonstrate functional outcomes for NDIS Participants. At Nacre Consulting we have been working intensively with our members as to how they can be including outcome measurement within their day-to-day practice and to include this in their reporting.
It is more important than ever to build these functional outcome measures into your work to stay ahead of these expectations. If you’re wondering how to be part of this crucial conversation, schedule a complimentary Power Call with us today and discover practical strategies to integrate meaningful outcome measures into your practice.
It is more important than ever to build outcome measures (for FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES) into your day-to-day work.
As for the PAPL (Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits) document, we are not anticipating seeing this now until sometime in 2025.
Where to from here?
I suggest that we all spend some time reflecting on the events of the past few weeks. I would like you to consider how you can ensure that your business success is not reliant on the NDIS. I would like you to think about how you will build measuring of outcomes into your planning, practice and reporting. I would like you to give a nod to AMTA for the lessons that they have taught us in strategic advocacy and the strength that exists in our larger Allied Health community. So remind your own peaks that you expect the same of them.
Mostly I would like you to remember that the work you do is important.
It changes lives.
It is worth fighting for.
