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There has been a lot of conversation recently about proposed changes to the NDIS, and it’s completely understandable if it all feels a bit overwhelming. In a recent address to the National Press Club, Minister Butler outlined a number of proposed reforms to the Scheme that may roll out over the next few years, each with a range of intended outcomes.
Not all participants will be affected, and everyone’s circumstances are different. Many of the details are still being worked through, so it may take some time before there is full clarity.
To help you stay informed, we’ve summarised some of the key points from the Minister’s speech below as we move through these changes together.
A high‑level overview of proposed timeframes is included in the table below (dates are set by the NDIA and may change).
| Start Date | Key change |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2026 | SIL & Platform provider registration |
| 1 October 2026 |
Social & Community participation budget reductions start Thriving Kids launches |
| End-2026 | Advisory group to finalise capacity assessment criteria i.e: who is and is not eligible for the NDIS |
| 1 April 2027 | New Framework Planning roll out proposed |
| July 2027 | Phase 2 Mandatory registration for higher risk supports i.e: personal care & daily living supports |
| 1 October 2027 | New plan management framework scheduled to commence |
| 1 January 2028 |
New eligibility rules rolled out for new scheme applicants Thriving Kids fully rolled out |
| 1 July 2028 | New support coordination and connection functions |
| End-2030 | Full registration and payment systems rolled out |
We’re with you every step of the way
It’s important to remember that government reforms take time. Discussions are ongoing, and some proposed measures may change or may not proceed at all.
There is still a long road ahead, but we are here to support you every step of the way. As more information becomes available, we’ll continue to share updates. You can also reach out to us at any time if you need support or clarification.
For now, it’s business as usual — we’ll continue processing invoices, making payments, and supporting you just as we always do, and we encourage you to continue with your arrangements as normal.
Slowing the growth of the NDIS
Due to the rapid growth of the Scheme, the Government has proposed slowing NDIS growth to around 5–6% per year. This means the Scheme will continue to grow, but in a more measured way.
Changes to participant budgets (particularly social supports)
The Government noted that spending on social and community participation supports has increased from $4 billion to $12 billion over five years. As a result, it has proposed resetting spending in this area back to 2023 levels.
This could see the average participant budget reduce from around $31,000 to $26,000, with some participants, particularly those using social and community participation supports, noticing changes to their funding.
These changes won’t happen immediately. However, it will become increasingly important for participants to clearly identify which social supports are essential for them and ensure there is appropriate evidence to support their need.
$200 million Inclusive Communities Fund
A new $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund will invest in local community programs and organisations, helping rebuild support options outside the NDIS. The intention is to reduce reliance on paid supports by strengthening inclusive, community‑based opportunities.
Over time, this could create more accessible options that feel less service‑driven and more embedded in the community.
Digital payments to improve transparency
The Government will introduce a new digital payments system that requires evidence for every claim and pays providers directly.
This system is designed to increase transparency and reduce misuse of funds. For participants, it may also result in fewer incorrect or questionable claims.
Mandatory registration for higher‑risk providers
More providers — particularly those delivering higher‑risk supports such as personal care and daily living assistance (including Supported Independent Living providers) — will be required to be formally registered.
The aim is to lift service quality and ensure providers delivering complex supports are appropriately qualified and monitored.
There is no need to change your providers at this stage. Once more is known about the registration process, we will share clear information and guidance.
New eligibility rules for the NDIS
Under the proposed changes, eligibility would be determined using a standardised functional assessment focused on the level of day‑to‑day support a person requires, rather than diagnosis alone. As a result, the current Access Lists would no longer apply.
Minister Butler has indicated these changes are expected to reduce the overall number of people entering the Scheme over time. A Technical Advisory Group will be established to develop the details, with the aim of finalising the approach by the end of this year.
If implemented, the new access process would begin from January 2028, with existing participants gradually reassessed during their regular plan reviews over a transition period.
Fewer participants projected over time
We recognise that discussions around reducing participant numbers can be deeply distressing for participants, families, and support networks. It’s important to note that there are still many unanswered questions about how these changes would work in practice, and we will continue to keep you informed as more becomes clear.
Changes to plan reviews and funding increases
Currently, many plans are reassessed outside scheduled review cycles, often resulting in significant funding increases. Under the proposed changes, these unscheduled reassessments would be reduced.
Stronger rules for claims and invoices
To ensure funds are being used appropriately, all claims under the new system will require clear supporting evidence.
New planning system from next year
A redesigned planning system is expected to be introduced from April next year. Its goal is to create more consistent and equitable plans across the Scheme, reducing variation and improving transparency around funding decisions.
Our focus remains on you
We understand this is a lot of information to absorb. Announcements like this often include many proposed changes all at once, which can feel overwhelming.
The Plan Tracker team will continue reviewing the details as they evolve, and our priority will always be you and your support network.
Additional resources
For further information, you may wish to read:
The information in this article is correct at the time of writing but may change as further details are released.
Reach out through Live Chat, email [email protected] or call 1800 549 670.