00:00They're long days behind the wheel for Outback Physio Keegan Simpson.
00:08We cover an area from Quilby up to Cloncurry, which is about a quarter of the Queensland state.
00:13He says clocking up 3,000 kilometres a week is worth it to provide care to NDIS clients in the bush.
00:21Independence in a remote area is the most important thing, isn't it?
00:25Because they don't have the supports to start with, so we need to increase their independence
00:28so they can function in their day-to-day life.
00:30From the 1st of July, the agency overseeing the NDIS will halve travel subsidies for allied health services.
00:37In the Outback, home visits are the only option for most with a disability,
00:41with the nearest services often hours away.
00:44It'll really threaten the sustainability of service provision in remote communities.
00:49On the Gold Coast, nine-year-old Nina Miska McDonald learnt to walk with the help of a physio.
00:55Every little step is a celebration.
00:57The clinic where she's treated now is at risk of closure.
01:01But all of our expenses have continued to rise over the past few years without any increases in revenue really.
01:08The NDIA says a review showed some providers were overcharging and travel claims were draining participants' plans.
01:16They say providers can still claim additional loading for therapy in regional and remote areas.
01:22Without NDIS support, I don't know if I could do it. Like it's hard, you know, it's really hard.
01:34Cut, cut, cut, cut.
01:35There's nowhere in the world you're moving and sweating.
01:37No.
01:38No.
01:39You're looking for a lot of information.
01:40No.
01:41No.
01:42No.
01:43No.
01:44No.
01:45No.
01:46No.
01:47No.
01:48No.
01:49No.
01:50No.
01:51No.
01:52No.
01:53No.
01:54No.
01:55No.
01:56No.
Comments