Breaking News: A Win for Creative Arts Therapy Advocacy

Written By Tegan Bailey

The NDIA has paused the reclassification of Creative Arts Therapy!

In a moment of relief and hope for participants and practitioners alike the NDIA has temporarily halted the reclassification of Creative Arts Therapy (CAT), giving time for an independent review led by Dr. Stephen Duckett. This review, expected by mid-March 2025, will evaluate CAT’s effectiveness, practitioner standards, and pricing.

This pause is a victory for collective advocacy, showcasing the power of participants, practitioners, and organisations like ANZACATA coming together to make their voices heard. For participants, it means uninterrupted access to life-changing therapies that foster emotional regulation, communication, and resilience. For practitioners, it recognises the critical role CAT plays in improving lives and an opportunity to protect its professional integrity.

In this post, I’ll explain what this decision means for the future of CAT and why we need to keep advocating. We’ve achieved a significant step together, but there’s more work to do. Keep reading to learn how you can help protect this vital therapy for those who rely on it most.

 

Key Updates

The latest developments mark a turning point for CAT. The temporary pause on reclassification and funding cuts gives practitioners, participants, and advocates a chance to secure CAT’s future within the NDIS. Here’s what you need to know:

Policy Developments

  • CAT’s reclassification is on hold pending an independent review by Dr. Stephen Duckett, due mid-March 2025.

  • The review will assess CAT’s clinical effectiveness, practitioner qualifications, and pricing structures, offering a rare opportunity to secure evidence-based funding.

  • Future therapy funding will depend on evidence that CAT improves functional capacity in communication, mobility, and psychosocial well-being.

What This Means for Participants

For families and participants, this pause ensures continued access to life-changing therapies while the review process unfolds.

Let’s keep this momentum going—continue sharing your stories, signing petitions, and raising awareness to protect CAT’s place within the NDIS. Together, we can shape a future where CAT remains accessible to those most in need.

 

Stakeholder Actions

Unified campaigns and strategic partnerships between participants, practitioners, and allied health professionals have been instrumental in shaping the NDIA’s decision. By mobilising public support, leveraging evidence-based research, and sharing personal stories, stakeholders demonstrated the transformative impact of CAT and the critical need for its continued support.

Advocacy in Action

  • Campaigns like #artstherapyworks brought together supporters via Change.org, with over 30,000 signatures collected in two weeks, amplifying the voices of participants and practitioners and drawing national media attention.

  • ANZACATA was supported by allied health organisations, such as the Australian Association of Psychologists, to present a united front, enhancing the campaign’s credibility and reach.

  • Professionals highlighted existing research and case studies demonstrating CAT’s measurable outcomes in functional capacity and emotional well-being.

  • Personal and clinical stories showcased CAT’s vital role for participants with disabilities, challenging misconceptions about its effectiveness and importance.

Impact of Unified Campaigns

  • Advocacy efforts led to intervention from The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

  • The NDIA was pressured to pause reclassification and commit to an evidence-based review.

Key Takeaway

These collaborative efforts underscore the power of advocacy in shaping equitable policies. While the review represents a significant win, ongoing action is essential to secure CAT’s long-term place within the NDIS.

 

Participant and Practitioner Concerns

Advocacy efforts have temporarily paused cuts, but fears about long-term service sustainability and equitable access remain pressing. These concerns highlight the fragility of CAT under the current funding framework and the importance of ensuring it remains a vital, accessible therapeutic option within the NDIS.

Ongoing Fears Despite Advocacy Success

  • The outcome of the independent review remains uncertain. Practitioners and families remain apprehensive about whether the review will safeguard the future of CAT services.

  • The potential for abrupt policy changes continues to create instability, underscoring the need for sustained advocacy to ensure a stable framework for CAT within the NDIS.

A Path Forward

These concerns highlight the critical importance of the upcoming independent review. This process offers a chance to align CAT funding with its proven value, addressing participant needs and ensuring the long-term sustainability of services. Your advocacy is essential—every shared story, petition signature, and letter strengthens the case for CAT’s inclusion in the NDIS. Throughout this post, you’ve seen the impact of unified advocacy—now it’s your turn to act. Share your story, use the hashtag #artstherapyworks, and connect with ANZACATA for updates. Together, we can ensure CAT remains accessible to those who need it most.

 

how you can help

  • Share Your Story: Personal experiences are powerful. Whether CAT has supported you or someone you know, sharing your story can help illustrate its transformative impact. Post on social media, write to your local representatives or submit testimonials to advocacy groups.

  • Amplify Awareness: Use hashtags like #artstherapyworks to join the movement and spread the word. Every post helps build public awareness and support for CAT.

  • Follow ANZACATA for Updates: Stay informed by following @ANZACATA on Instagram and other platforms. They’re leading the charge with updates, resources, and ways to take action.

 

Support the Campaign

  • Sign the Change.org petition if you haven’t already done so. With over 30,000 signatures, your support adds weight to the push for equitable policies.

  • Share the petition link with friends, family, and your community to amplify its reach.

Together, we can ensure CAT remains a vital, evidence-based therapeutic support that transforms lives. Let’s continue the momentum and make a lasting impact.

 

The sources used in this article include:

Tegan Bailey

Tegan Bailey is an artist who specialises in drawing and has exhibited her work multiple times, including in the Small Works exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery in 2023. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Charles Sturt University in 2007, and her work is held in private collections. Tegan was identified as Autistic in her mid-30s, giving her a new perspective on her relationships, experiences, memories, and childhood. Through her artmaking, Tegan explores and reexamines memories, using layers of acrylic paint, medium, collage, printing, stamping, and drawing with various line-making tools such as pencils and ink to build depth and variety into her pieces.

https://tegan.makes.art
Previous

Proven and Transformative: The Evidence for Arts Therapy
Next

What’s Happening to Creative Arts Therapy Under the NDIS?