This week, the Australian Government announced a big “reset” to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Government wants to make the NDIS stronger and make sure it is used in the way it was first designed – to support people with permanent and significant disability.
The Government’s plan focuses on four key areas: stopping fraud, slowing fast‑growing costs, making eligibility clearer, and improving the quality of services and supports.
So, what’s changing…
One change that may affect some people is a reduction in funding for Social and Community Participation from 1 October 2026 over two years. It is unclear how this may be done; participants may have the options of participating more in group supports rather than individual support. Alternatively, we may see a reduction in funded support hours.
Another change is from January 2028, the Government will introduce a new standardised assessment for people joining the NDIS, and current participants will have their eligibility reviewed again when their plans are renewed. This assessment will look at how much a person’s disability affects their daily life, and only those with significant and ongoing difficulties will be able to access the Scheme. Reassessments for current participants will happen gradually during plan renewals, not all at once.
Another important change is about NDIS provider registration. Many unregistered NDIS providers – those who do not need qualifications, NDIS worker checks, or audits – will be required to become registered from July 2027. Some types of providers (Support Coordinators, Supported Independent Living and Platform providers) must register even earlier, from July this year.
The Bridge Inc has been a fully registered NDIS provider since 2016. This means:
- Our staff have the right qualifications and worker checks
- We follow comprehensive safety and quality rules
- We are audited regularly
- We have strong policies, processes and procedures to protect participants
The Government wants to stop unsafe or dishonest NDIS providers, so that quality providers stand out and participants stay safe. We therefore encourage you to check that any NDIS providers you use are registered.
And lastly, we want to reassure you that the NDIS is being reshaped to make it stronger for the future. We will continue to follow the changes closely. Our focus remains the same: respecting your rights, supporting your needs, and providing safe, high‑quality services.
What do you have to do now?
We understand this may be a worrying time for you. For the moment, your current plan will stay the same. We encourage you to check your providers are registered as the new requirements roll out.
For more information, please click on this easy read guide from the NDIS:
NDIS Changes Easy Read Guide
