Stop the AT Loans Scheme: Update and Call to Action!

By August 27th, 2025No Comments
Purple banner with the word 'STOP' in bold white letters, the 'O' replaced by a red handprint with a white prohibition symbol. To the right, in a red box, the words 'THE ASSISTIVE TECH' and in a white box 'LOANS SCHEME'.

Thank you to everyone who has already supported our campaign opposing the National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme. Your efforts – especially in helping us spread the word on LinkedIn—are making a real difference.

As we head into week two of our campaign, our next step is to build momentum by contacting local federal MPs.

The Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, holds the power to influence decisions relating to the loans scheme. But he is more likely to act when he feels pressure from his colleagues. Every email or letter sent by constituents makes it more likely that MPs will raise this issue directly with the Minister.

Take action this week!

Use our letter template to write to your MP. It’s quick and easy!

If you have time, personalise your letter by including a short note on how the scheme would affect your business and clients. Keep it to two pages max though. If you don’t have time to personalise your letter, just send it as is – numbers still matter!

Tips:

  • You can find your MP’s details using the Australian Electoral Commission’s search tool.
  • Email is fastest, but a posted hard copy can sometimes carry more weight.
  • If you don’t receive a response to your letter within 2–3 weeks, follow up by phoning the electorate office.
  • Please remember to send me a copy of your letter so we can track which MPs have been contacted.

What’s been happening behind the scenes?

We know it can feel like the heavy lifting is on you – but rest assured, we’ve also been hard at work!

We have continued to follow up on our request for a meeting with Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae and have requested a meeting with Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Rebecca White MP.

We have directed correspondence to the following parties seeking their urgent intervention:

  • First Assistant Secretary of the Reform Implementation Division at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Assistant Secretary of Care and Support and Aged Care at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
  • The National Aged Care Council of Elders
  • The National Aged Care Advisory Council
  • The Aged Care Diversity Consultative Committee.

Finally, mindful of the need to build sector support for our campaign, we have also:

  • Confirmed Occupational Therapy Australia’s endorsement of our campaign.
  • Scheduled a meeting with Council on the Ageing Australia to discuss their position on the loans scheme, with a view towards gaining their ongoing support.
  • Promoted our position statement and campaign on the NATA (National Assistive Technology Alliance) email list with a view towards gaining broader sector support.
  • Written to the Coordinator of the Assistive Technology for All Campaign seeking their urgent support and requesting an opportunity to present at their September meeting.
  • Had an article published in Community Care review – read it here

We’ll continue to do our part – now we need you to do yours! Together, we can get this done! Let’s make week two count so that every MP knows their community expects action.

Read our full position statement here – 2025-ATSA-Position-Statement-National-AT-Loans-Scheme.pdf