Understanding the NDIS Reforms
The NDIA is undergoing a major transformation aimed at improving sustainability, transparency, and participant outcomes. These reforms will reshape how providers deliver services, engage with participants and interact with the NDIA. While change can be challenging, understanding what’s ahead will help providers prepare and adapt.
Planning and Budgeting Reform
From 1 September 2025, the NDIA will begin rolling out a new planning model called New Framework Planning. This model replaces functional capacity assessments with needs-based budgeting. Funding will be structured into clearer periods, with defined spending guardrails to improve transparency and consistency.
Providers will need to familiarise themselves with new support needs assessment tools. These tools will be tailored for different participant groups, including adults, children and specific support types such as assistive technology and home modifications. This shift will likely influence how services are scoped, delivered and reviewed.
Transition to the Navigator Model
The current Partners in the Community model will be phased out by 2027 and replaced with a national navigator workforce. This centralised model is designed to streamline support coordination and navigation across the country.
For providers, this means changes to referral pathways and onboarding processes. Relationships with navigators will become key, and providers may need to adjust how they connect participants with services and coordinate care.
Pricing and Market Regulation
The NDIA is reforming its pricing model through the Annual Pricing Review and the newly established Independent Pricing Committee. These reforms aim to ensure pricing reflects service quality, market sustainability and participant outcomes.
Providers should expect updates to price caps and service specifications, particularly in areas like support coordination and supported independent living. Staying informed and responsive to these changes will be essential for financial planning and service delivery.
Strengthened Fraud and Integrity Measures
The NDIA is ramping up its efforts to detect and prevent fraud. The Fraud Fusion Taskforce and Crack Down on Fraud program have already recovered over $1.3 billion. These measures are part of a broader push to protect the integrity of the scheme.
Providers will face increased scrutiny and higher compliance expectations. Education and enforcement will be central themes, and maintaining strong governance and documentation practices will be critical.
Payment Integrity and Debt Management
The NDIA is shifting its focus from retrospective debt recovery to preventative payment integrity. However, providers may still be subject to debt recovery if claims are found to be non-compliant.
This highlights the importance of accurate claiming, clear documentation and proactive compliance. Providers should review internal processes to minimise risk and ensure alignment with NDIA expectations.
Workforce and Industrial Impacts
The reforms will reshape the NDIA’s internal workforce, which may have flow-on effects for providers. Changes in contracting, pricing and service expectations could influence staffing models and workforce planning.
Providers may need to invest in upskilling staff, particularly in areas such as trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness and contemporary disability knowledge. Building capability will be key to meeting evolving standards and participant needs.
Early Intervention Pathway for Children
A new early intervention pathway for children under 9 will be introduced, focusing on child-centred assessments and evidence-based support requirements. This aligns with broader efforts to strengthen foundational supports outside the NDIS.
Providers working with children will need to align with new standards and monitoring frameworks. This may involve adapting assessment tools, service models and reporting practices to meet updated requirements.
These reforms represent a significant shift in how the NDIS operates, with wide-reaching implications for providers. While the changes may require adjustment, they also present an opportunity to strengthen service quality, improve participant outcomes and build a more sustainable support system.
