Why Are Music Therapists Getting A 65% Pay Cut?
- Demi Lynch
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Britney Evans-Mackay is a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). She has an undergraduate degree in psychological sciences and a masters of music therapy. However the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) want to remove music therapy from the 'Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living' category, meaning music therapists like Britney will go from earning $193.99 per hour to $67.56. By moving music therapy to a new funding bracket, many participants will lose access to this essential support.
According to the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA), "no-one in the music therapy community" were even consulted about these changes. They say "this abrupt decision not only undermines the principles of the NDIS" but it also "impacts people with disability who rely on music therapy to achieve their goals."
"Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health profession. Registered music therapists deliver therapeutic interventions that are not only supportive and safe but also at the forefront of contemporary, evidence-based clinical practice." - Australian Music Therapy Association
Britney Evans-Mackay says there continues to be this misconception that music therapy is "just a nice music class."
"That hourly rate just doesn't reflect the work we do," says Britney, "as well as that hour we are in front of the participant we are also doing assessments and analysing data before we implement evidence based practice with the participant."
Britney says music therapy is especially" impactful for neurodivergent kids as the "neuroaffirming practice does not require a language element."
"It's a relationship focused therapy that puts the heart of the participant and their strengths at the forefront," says Britney, "being cut down to the lower price point just devalues us."
Aimee* has been doing music therapy for over three years. She says "it's made a massive difference to her life" and has helped her achieve many "life goals and develop her skills as an artist and performer." But now she might lose her music therapist.
"Because of her I was able to do karaoke, because of her I was finally able to do an audition," says Aimee, "my music therapist is worth more than $67 an hour - that amount is an insult."
The NDIA has commissioned an independent review of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding for music therapy. Health economist Dr Stephen Duckett AM is expected to deliver his findings in mid April after reviewing the pricing and effectiveness of music therapy.
*name has been been changed
