Sunshine Coast support worker raises concerns over NDIS provider

A Sunshine Coast support worker has raised concerns with a “truly flawed” NDIS system, which he believes allowed a local music therapy company to provide professional therapy despite not being formally accredited.

Concerns have once again been raised about the NDIS.

A Sunshine Coast support worker has raised concerns with a “truly flawed” NDIS system, which he believes allowed a local music therapy company to provide professional therapy despite not being formally accredited.

The NDIS support worker, who did not wish to be named, said he first raised concerns about AV Music Therapies with the NDIS 18 months ago after he discovered the provider Aaron VanderAa did not hold the correct qualifications to work with participants as a music therapist.

He described the NDIS as a “truly flawed system”, which did not check provider’s qualifications appropriately.

The business’s service agreement, seen by this publication, set the cost of a music therapy session with Mr VanderAa at $193.99 per hour in 2023.

The service agreement stated AV Music Therapies invoiced clients with the “other professional therapy” line item.

The NDIS pricing arrangement and price list stated “other professionals” engaging in therapy must have demonstrated they have the “relevant qualifications, expertise and experience”.

Sunshine Coast music therapist Aaron VanderAa.

According to the Australian Music Therapists Association, to become a registered music therapist in Australia providers must complete a masters degree.

The AMTA confirmed Mr VanderAa was not a registered music therapist.

However, Mr VanderAa said his company had been given the “green light” to continue operating by the NDIS.

“AV Music is operating correctly and in alignment with the NDIS Commission. We have had multiple conversations with the NDIS commission and can confirm we have been given the green light for our business model,” Mr VanderAa said.

Mr VanderAa said AV Music Therapies was an unregistered NDIS provider.

“We do not claim nor state anywhere that we are accredited music therapists. Additionally, in our service agreement, we do not use the music therapy line item,” Mr VanderAa said.

An NDIS Commission spokeswoman declined to comment on AV Music Therapies, but stated it was within the scheme’s code of conduct providers hold the necessary qualifications.

“All registered and non-registered NDIS providers are required to adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct, including acting with integrity, honesty and transparency and providing supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill,” she said.

“The NDIS Code of Conduct outlines that providers must ensure workers have the necessary training, competence and qualifications to deliver safe and skilled services, and they must provide services consistent with relevant professional codes.”