As part of AAPi’s ongoing advocacy within the National Mental Health Sector Reference Group (NMHSRG), we have consistently raised concerns about the significant and sustained decline in NDIS access for people with psychosocial disability.
Members have been sharing their experiences with us for some time, highlighting increasing barriers, inconsistent decision-making, and growing challenges in supporting individuals to access the Scheme. These concerns have been echoed across the sector, and AAPi has been actively working alongside other peak bodies to seek transparency and accountability from the NDIA.
We are pleased to see that this advocacy has contributed to the NDIA initiating a practice review into psychosocial disability access.
The review focuses on understanding the drivers of declining access rates. It will explore:
- How access decisions are being made in practice against legislative requirements and operational guidance
- The challenges and enablers faced by NDIA delegates when assessing applications
- The experiences of Partners in the Community supporting applicants through the process
The review will draw on multiple data sources, including case file analysis, administrative data, and interviews with NDIA staff and partners.
There are currently more than 65,000 participants with psychosocial disability in the NDIS, yet access rates are declining. This raises serious concerns about equity, consistency, and whether people with significant mental health-related disability are being appropriately supported.
From AAPi’s perspective, this issue goes to the heart of our broader advocacy:
- Ensuring fair and equitable access to supports
- Reducing administrative and evidentiary burden on psychologists
- Supporting consistent, transparent decision-making
AAPi will continue to advocate strongly through the NMHSRG and other channels to ensure this review leads to meaningful, system-level change. We will be:
- Closely monitoring the progress of the review (expected to conclude mid-2026)
- Advocating for clear, actionable outcomes that improve access
- Continuing to bring member experiences and evidence into national discussions
We know many members are seeing firsthand the impacts of these changes on both their clients and their own practices. Your insights have been critical in elevating this issue to the national stage. We will continue to share updates with you.
Psychosocial Disability Access Review information.