Labor’s NDIS cuts another blow to Regional Australians

The Albanese Labor Government is once again leaving regional Australians behind, with a proposed cut to NDIS travel reimbursements set to hit people with disability in the regions the hardest. From 1 July 2025, Labor plans to slash provider travel claims for therapy appointments by half, meaning just 30 minutes can be claimed for a standard one-hour appointment, no matter how far the clinician has to travel.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry said the change showed just how out of touch Labor was with the needs of regional communities.

“This is yet another slap in the face for regional Australians who are already doing it tough. Labor continues to fail regional communities by rolling out blanket policies that might work in the cities but are completely unworkable in rural and remote areas.”

Ms Landry said the changes would have a devastating impact on NDIS participants in regional areas, particularly those who live outside of major towns and rely on visiting allied health professionals.

“While this recommendation has been framed as a cost-saving measure, the reality is that one size does not fit all when it comes to delivering essential services.”

“Regional, rural and remote Australians who don’t live near allied health professionals will be left even worse off under these changes.”

Ms Landry also called out the flawed thinking behind the decision.

“The Minister seems to think that towns across regional, rural, and remote Australia are just around the corner from each other but that’s simply not the case. This is going to disproportionately impact people living with a disability in regional communities who already face greater barriers to care.”

“A person’s postcode should never determine the level of care they receive under the NDIS or any other essential service.”

“I’m calling on the Minister for Health to use some common sense and ensure that regional Australians aren’t left behind by a policy that will make accessing care even harder than it already is,” Ms Landry said.

ENDS