ANZACATA pushes back on NDIS pricing cut for art therapy
![Portrait of young boy with Down syndrome laughing cheerfully enjoying art class with parent or teacher assistant [Source mediaphotos, Istock]](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/iStock-2148215047.jpg?fm=pjpg)
ANZACATA warns NDIS art therapy price cuts could reduce access and threaten the profession, despite review confirming its evidence-based benefits.
The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) is urging the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to reconsider a proposed funding cut for art therapy.
A new independent review led by health economist Dr Stephen Duckett confirmed art therapy is an evidence-based intervention that can deliver real benefits for people with disability. But the review recommended reducing the maximum rate paid under the NDIS from $193.99 to $156.16 an hour – the same as counselling.
ANZACATA welcomed the review’s recognition of art therapy, but said the proposed pricing risks undervaluing the profession and limiting access for participants.
What the review found
The Duckett Review was commissioned after controversy last year, when the NDIA attempted to reclassify art and music therapy as recreational activities. That move would have cut the hourly rate by almost two-thirds. The decision was paused after a public backlash and replaced with a formal evidence review.
The September 2025 review confirmed art therapy is not recreational but a structured, goal-oriented clinical support. It recommended continued NDIS funding, but at the lower hourly cap of $156.16, with therapists required to be registered with professional associations.
More than 6,800 NDIS participants accessed art therapy in 2023–24. All could be affected by the change, which takes effect on 24 November 2025.
ANZACATA’s response
ANZACATA welcomed the recognition of art therapy’s role and the acknowledgment of the association as the profession’s peak body. But it strongly opposed the pricing cut.
“Art therapy is a distinct allied health profession requiring a master’s qualification and rigorous clinical training,” said ANZACATA CEO, Dr Kate Dempsey. “While we respect all therapeutic disciplines, art therapy involves specialised techniques, materials and clinical approaches that warrant appropriate recognition in pricing.”
The association argues the current $193.99 cap reflects the true costs of delivering art therapy, which include postgraduate training, clinical supervision and therapeutic-grade art materials.
ANZACATA also notes an inconsistency: psychology is funded at $232.99 an hour, and occupational therapy at $193.99, while counselling is set at $156.16.
“Using counselling as the benchmark undermines professional standards and risks reinforcing inequities,” Dr Dempsey said.
Impact on services and participants
ANZACATA warns the lower rate could make it unviable for many practitioners, especially in rural and regional areas, to continue offering services. Highly trained therapists may leave the NDIS, reducing access for participants with complex needs.
The Australian Music Therapy Association raised similar concerns. AMTA president Monica Zidar described the new cap as effectively a 20 per cent pay cut after years of frozen prices.
“It is going to be very difficult for some clinics to remain open,” she said.
A call for fairer funding
ANZACATA says it supports evidence-based accountability but insists pricing must reflect the unique value of art therapy.
“We urge the NDIA to reconsider and consult with the sector to develop a fairer model,” Dr Dempsey said.
The association remains committed to working with NDIS participants, the NDIA and allied health stakeholders to ensure art therapy remains accessible, properly funded and recognised as a vital support.