This week, we have Carolyn Weatherby, a Speech Pathologist with 27 years’ experience across disability, private practice, and clinical supervision, to explore what has unfolded for providers during a turbulent year in the NDIS — and what comes next.

Carolyn shares her journey from deep frustration and loss of professional pride during the June–July 2025 NDIS cuts, to becoming part of a growing collective that found momentum through union support, Professionals Australia. The conversation unpacks why providers felt unheard, how reputational damage took hold despite “doing nothing to deserve it,” and why being believed again became a turning point.

This is an honest conversation about why the union pathway emerged, how it differs from professional bodies and peak organisations, and what a collective, electorate-based campaign is asking the NDIS to do next.

Topics covered on NDIS reform, union advocacy, collective voice, provider sustainability:

1. NDIS cuts and sector impact – How funding changes hurt both providers and the people they support, triggering widespread distress and loss of pride in professional work.
2. Professionals Australia Union – Carolyn explains why a union’s mandate to represent members directly made it the right vehicle to be heard, alongside (not instead of) peak bodies.
3. Being heard and believed again – How meeting with MPs, senators, and media changed the tone of the conversation and restored a sense of professional worth.

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More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast:

The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.

We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.