Navigating NDIS change: Challenges and opportunities S8E27

In this week’s episode we're joined by Kirsty McGovern-Hooley (RSM Australia), Dr Erin West (SPA), Georgia Cunningham (ORS Group) and Kate Pollard (Melaleuca Therapies) to discuss the latest NDIS reforms and what they mean for speech pathology practices, providers and participants. Together, they explore the proposed NDIS Bill 2026, pricing and compliance changes, business sustainability, advocacy efforts, and practical strategies for navigating change while continuing to support participants and deliver high-quality services.

Resources:

RSM Australia: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Member-benefits/RSM-Australia.aspx

Industry Legal Group: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Member-benefits/Industry-Legal-Group.aspx

SPA resources:

Submission: NDIS Bill: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1221

Supplementary submission: NDIS Bill: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1233

SPA appearance at Senate Inquiry: https://www.youtube.com/live/CrVlldIGgww?si=IWrxfLZOIwQglXlv&t=23794

Private practice and business supports for members: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Professional-practice/Private-practice-and-business-support-for-members.aspx

Business models for speech pathology practices: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Professional-practice/business-models-for-sp-practices.aspx

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au