From today, regional Australians living with a disability will be worse off as the Albanese Labor Government’s damaging cuts to NDIS travel reimbursements take effect.
The change, buried in Recommendation 12 of the NDIS Annual Pricing Review, slashes travel reimbursement rates for allied health providers by 50 per cent, regardless of how far a provider must travel.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry said the decision proves Labor is out of touch with the challenges faced by regional Australians.
“In cities, providers may only need to travel a few streets to reach clients but in regions like Capricornia, it can mean hours on the road and now providers won’t be fairly paid for that travel,” Ms Landry said.
Ms Landry warned the policy would further isolate NDIS participants in regions by making it harder for health professionals to reach them.
“Labor’s one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in regional Australia. This change will discourage providers from taking on clients in the bush and the people who lose out are those living with a disability.”
Around 8 per cent of NDIS participants live outside metropolitan areas and many rely on visiting clinicians to access vital supports.
“This is about fairness and equality. Labor talks a big game about inclusion but their actions speak louder and today, their policy has made life harder for some of our most vulnerable.”
Concerned constituents have already taken a stand, with Michelle Landry’s petition opposing the change attracting more than 200 signatures in just a few days.
“The public response has been clear; regional Australians are fed up with being ignored.
“I’m calling on the Minister to show some common sense and compassion. Reinstate full travel reimbursements and stop punishing the bush,” Ms Landry said.
ENDS
