June 2026

NDIA Sector Update – 26/06/26

NDIS news

Annual Pricing Review released

We have released the Annual Pricing Review for 2026-27 prices report.

The Annual Pricing Review (APR) sets out guidance regarding what the NDIA considers appropriate NDIS pricing arrangements from 2026 to 2027.

On 14 May 2026, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 (Bill) was introduced into Parliament. The Bill proposes to provide the Minister for the NDIS with the power to make a pricing determination.

This year’s APR sets out guidance and views regarding appropriate NDIS prices. If the Bill is subsequently passed, it is anticipated that the APR will inform any advice provided by the NDIA to the Minister for the NDIS on pricing.

This year, we used a larger set of data to compare therapy support pricing. This included more than 16 million therapy transactions from private health insurance and similar government schemes – about 5 million more than last year.

The additional data has informed the evidence-based recommendations in this year’s APR.

To support participants and providers, we have also released the NDIS Pricing Schedule which provides guidance on appropriate prices for NDIS supports, including prices from the APR.

From 1 July 2026, providers can use the NDIS Pricing Schedule to inform their prices. Providers must discuss proposed changes to existing service agreements with participants and participants must agree to the changes before they are made.

Learn more about NDIS pricing on the NDIS website.

Mandatory registration for supported independent living and platform providers

From 1 July 2026, all providers delivering supported independent living (SIL) or digital platform services must start the process to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).

What this means for SIL providers

All SIL providers must follow new SIL Practice Standards starting 1 July 2026.
Unregistered providers delivering SIL or NDIS digital platform services before 1 July 2026 must apply for registration by 1 October 2026, if they would like to continue to deliver these services and supports.
New providers to SIL and NDIS digital platform services, entering the market after 1 July 2026 must not deliver these supports until they are registered.
Already registered SIL providers do not need to act. The NDIS Commission will update their registration details and send a new certificate.

What this means for NDIS participants

These changes are about provider requirements. They do not change NDIS participant plan funding amounts.
For participants who use SIL:
- If the provider is already registered to deliver SIL, no action is needed.
- If their provider is not registered, they will need to start the registration process by 1 October 2026.
- Participants can continue using their provider while they are working towards meeting the new requirements.

If a SIL provider decides not to register, they must tell participants as soon as possible so they can find a registered provider.

Support and resources are available through the NDIS Commission Reform Hub.

For questions about registration, contact the NDIS Commission inbox or call 1800 035 544.

Find out more about changes and mandatory registration on the NDIS website.

Increasing integrity checks on older claims

From 18 June 2026, we’ll be doing extra checks on older claims. This will include checking claims submitted 6 months or more after a support is delivered.

At first, we’ll be checking claims submitted more than 12 months after receiving or delivering a support.
We’ll check to make sure the claims are for NDIS supports, and that they include the right evidence and information.
Over the coming months, we’ll be gradually expanding our checks to more recent claims.

NDIS participants and providers should claim as soon as possible after an NDIS support is delivered.

Timely claiming means self-managed participants can be paid back faster for any out-of-pocket expenses.

It also helps providers to get paid faster for supports they deliver.

Find out more about how we’re checking the integrity of older claims on the NDIS website.

Have your say

Supported decision making consultation

We are inviting NDIS participants who use support to make decisions, and their supporters, to take part in this project to help test new ways of planning for the NDIS.

Some people with a disability need support to make decisions about their NDIS plan and services.

This is called supported decision making.

What is this activity about?

People who take part in testing will help improve how NDIS planning works by:

trying parts of the new planning process
completing a practice support needs assessment
sharing feedback with NDIA staff.

Activities are online using Microsoft Teams and may take up to 10 hours in total, broken up into smaller sessions over a few weeks.

Who can take part?

This project is for people who are NDIS participants and aged 18 or over, who use support to make decisions, and their supporter who helps them make decisions (for example a family member, friend, or carer).

Participants and their supporter take part together.

When is it happening?

Activities will run throughout 2026. The first round will be in late June 2026 to late July 2026.

How to take part

Participants will need to join Participant First as this is a paid opportunity.

Find out more and register your interest in our expression of interest form.

If you have any questions about the opportunity or require support, please contact participant.engagement@ndis.gov.au.

Reminder: Help test the new way of planning

Participants are invited to help test the new way of planning before it rolls out from April 2027.

Testing helps us understand what works well and what needs to improve, so planning works better for a wide range of participants.

Participants can take part and share their feedback.

We are looking for participants with different disability types, support needs and lived experiences. Testing helps make sure the new way of planning is designed with participants, not just for them.

To learn more and have your say, visit NDIS Engage.

Engagement reminders

Expressions of interest for provider consultations – ongoing opportunities.
Shaping NDIS for First Nations children and young people – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.
Help shape the future NDIS pathway for children and young people – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.

Disability sector news

Improve the experience of Autism assessment and diagnosis

The Australian Government is providing $455,000 to Reframing Autism to deliver new information and resources for Autistic people, their families and carers.

In partnership with the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project and the League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues Australia, this funding will be used to develop information before and after diagnosis.

Find out more about the project on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Help for Autistic people to make social connections

The Australian Government is giving Autistic people and their families across Australia more opportunities to create social connections in safe and supported environments.

More than $19 million will be provided over four years to Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) to create a national social connections network as part of the National Autism Strategy.

The network will harness the power of lived experience to offer understanding, tailored advice and support.

Find out more about the network on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Good news story

Project Imagine and Explore

We recently worked with Ability First Australia (AFA) on Project Imagine and Explore to support young people living in residential aged care to explore more age-appropriate housing options.

The project used a collaborative approach between the NDIA and AFA to help participants consider whether they wanted to set a goal to move out of aged care.

AFA was commissioned by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to deliver the project from February to August 2025.

Previous versions of the project had mixed results. This time, a more collaborative approach was used.

The new approach brought together NDIA planners from the Aged Care and Specialised Planning teams, and AFA System Coordinators.

This helped to better support participants through face-to-face conversations and directly led to improved outcomes. It also contributed to broader efforts to reduce the number of young people living in residential aged care.

Working together

The NDIA and AFA worked closely to support participants to consider their housing goals and options.

The teams:

used case conferencing to share participant information and agree on the best approach
worked together across locations throughout Australia
combined planning expertise with in-person support from AFA system coordinators
held joint education sessions about motivational interviewing, planning approaches and soft skills.

This approach was particularly helpful in locations where planners could not easily attend in person, including some remote areas.

Outcomes from the project show that a person’s will and preferences can change over time when they are supported in a way that is respectful, informed, and participant-centred.

What we heard and what changed

Project Imagine and Explore showed that participants can reconsider their goals when they are given time, the right support and a trusted environment to talk through their options.

The project contacted 32 participants in total. 6 participants became the final active cohort and took part in the project.

Of the 6 active participants:

3 changed their preference about staying in aged care and progressed to having an active goal to move
3 continued to consider their options.

What happens next

The project provided useful insights into the factors that influence a person’s decision to stay in, or move out of, residential aged care.

These insights will help inform future work to support younger people to explore age-appropriate housing options.

Independent Advisory Council updates

Independent Advisory Council Equity and Inclusion Reference Group

The bulletin for the 27 May 2026 of the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group is now available in Easy Read.

The focus of the meeting was:

how proposed changes to the NDIS could impact their communities
the IAC Work Plan 2026-27
the IAC’s advice on justice and home and living.

Find the full Easy Read bulletin on the IAC website.

Advisory and reference group updates

Supported Decision Making Advisory Group

The Supported Decision Making Advisory Group met on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

feedback on the supported decision making staff training module
feedback on the support needs assessment
an update from the NDIA
an update from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
an update from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing about the National Disability Advocacy program.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Autism Advisory Group

The Autism Advisory Group (AAG) met on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

an NDIA update
discussing themes from participant feedback about the new support needs assessment
an opportunity for the AAG to give feedback about draft support needs assessment resources for participants.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

Community forum: Mandatory registration of SIL and platform providers

We are hosting an online community forum to provide clear, accessible information about the mandatory registration of SIL and platform providers.

This session is designed for NDIS participants, carers, families, and kin, as well as supporting services such as advocacy organisations, peer support networks, and carers’ groups.

We also encourage mainstream services that support people with disability including health, education, housing, and community services to attend.

It is not intended for providers.

Session dates

Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Thursday, 2 July 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Using your NDIS plan

NDIS plans are designed to help participants achieve goals, increase independence, and improve their quality of life.

Knowing how to use an NDIS plan effectively can make a big difference.

In this session we will cover:

understanding support budgets and how funding can be used
what to expect at a plan implementation meeting
how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
tips for managing NDIS plan budgets.

Session dates:

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Community Connections

Community connections are available for people with disability aged 9 to 64, even if they’re not eligible for the NDIS.

They are available to people with disability living in Australia regardless of their citizenship or visa status.

In this session we will cover:

what NDIA Community Connections are and how they can help
how to find practical information about a disability or condition
ways to access support through mainstream and community services
how to connect with people who share similar experiences
support for applying to the NDIS, including help with submitting an access request.

Session dates:

Thursday, 23 July 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Pathways to Post School Life

When an NDIS participant leaves school, there are a range of pathways and supports that can help them transition smoothly into employment and adult life.

In this session we will cover:

the types of NDIS supports that can assist with employment preparation
how to build skills and independence during the final years of school
pathways available after school and how to choose options that align with a young person’s aspirations, abilities, and interests.

Session dates:

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

NDIA Sector Update – 12/06/26

NDIS reform

Help test the new way of planning

We’re sharing a new engagement opportunity for participants to take part in testing the new way of planning.

We’re asking you to promote this opportunity. Please use the attached poster and information in this update to share this with your members.

We’re inviting NDIS participants to help test the new way of planning before it rolls out from April 2027.

Participants who take part in testing can:

experience what the new planning approach might be like
share their feedback
help improve how the process works for others
help make planning fairer and more consistent.

Participant involvement helps us:

find issues early
understand what works
make changes using real experience, not assumptions
improve the new way of planning before it rolls out.

Feedback can shape processes, tools, and guidance. It cannot change the Government’s NDIS legislation or funding rules.

Taking part is voluntary and will not:

change a participant’s current NDIS plan
affect a participant’s future funding or eligibility
impact a participant’s supports
result in a new plan or budget.

Information shared during testing is only used to improve the process. It cannot be used to inform individual plans.

What we are testing

We’re testing key parts of the new way of planning, including:

the information participants need to prepare for the support needs assessment
how the assessment works for different participants
how plan budgets are developed
a participant’s overall experience.

We’re running 2 types of testing activities:

Activity 1: Doing a simulated support needs assessment
Activity 2: Helping train and accredit NDIA assessors who will complete support needs assessments in the future

Participants will be paid for taking part.

If participants need more information, they can call our dedicated number 1300 790 467.

Participants can express their interest by visiting NDIS Engage.
To find out more on the new way of planning visit NDIS website.

We will be expanding our work directly with sector organisations to help with targeted testing processes over the coming months.

We are currently working with Inclusion Australia and Down Syndrome Australia to design and test resources and processes for participants who use decision making supports.

About the new way of planning

To make sure participants, the community and sector are updated on the new way of planning, we have published information on NDIS Engage.

This page has information on:

how we are engaging, consulting and testing
closed consultations
how to participate in engagement opportunities
engagement testing and data.

We will continue to publish insights, feedback and updates on this page, so everyone can stay informed.

To find out more and stay updated visit NDIS Engage.

Securing the NDIS for future generations: Update on public consultation

In 2026, the Australian Government will consult on changes to secure the future of the NDIS, including:

the design of a commissioning approach for home and living supports, for supported independent living participants who need 24/7 support
expanding differentiated pricing for unregistered providers
the design of the Inclusive Communities Fund
market reforms for social and community participation and capacity building activities to ensure genuinely inclusive activities are available in the market
updated new framework planning rules
a new eligibility process to determine access to the NDIS.

Consultation will run from July to October in line with the reform timeline.

More specific dates will be provided soon.

To learn more and have your say about the changes, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Consultation Hub.

NDIS news

New participant dashboards

We are releasing 3 new dashboards to improve understanding of the profile and experience of participants across Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), First Nations and Gender cohorts.

These dashboards are designed to provide deeper insights into the NDIS.

The dashboards will be published on Friday, 12 June 2026 to our Participant dashboards page.

Following this release, the dashboards will be updated on a 6‑monthly cycle each March and September.

This dashboard series includes summary reports and accompanying data downloads for 15 primary disability types, sharing key insights from NDIS data, including:

participants – profiles including primary disability, age, cultural background and gender
payments – total and average payments for supports by cohort, including breakdowns by age and supported independent living arrangements
participant outcomes – outcomes for participants, families and carers, including measures at Scheme entry and over time
participant experience – indicators such as ‘access met’ decisions, participant satisfaction and complaints
providers – number of providers supporting participants and payments to providers by plan management type.

Find more of our data and insights on the NDIS data research website.

Fraud Fusion Taskforce Ethics Guide published

We have published the Fraud Fusion Taskforce Ethics Guide.

The Guide:

outlines the approach, values, principles, and core standards to guide all work of the Taskforce
provides a foundation to promote ethical behaviour and making ethical decisions.

This allows the Taskforce to operate with integrity, fairness, and accountability.

Find out more and read the Guide on the NDIS website.

Home and living decision letter retirement

From 9 June 2026 we will stop sending home and living support decision letters to participants.

By retiring the home and living decision letter, we hope to provide clearer and more consistent information.

Instead of having separate letters, participants will now be able to find all the information about their approved supports, including their home and living supports, in their NDIS plan. They should discuss this during plan and implementation meetings.

This change does not affect how we make decisions about home and living supports.

Participants who would like more information about anything in their NDIS plan or an explanation of a decision we’ve made, can contact us on 1800 800 110.

Good news story

Motor neurone disease Priority Pathway

We recently worked with motor neurone disease (MND) associations across Australia to better understand how the MND Priority Pathway is working in practice. The results are strongly positive.

The MND Priority Pathway was introduced in July 2024 to improve how the NDIS supports people living with MND. It aims to provide faster, more responsive support by:

streamlining access and planning processes
providing a dedicated specialist planner as a single point of contact
supporting quicker responses as a person’s needs change.

The Priority Pathway reflects the nature of MND, where needs can change quickly and participants require timely support.

Working with the sector

To understand how the pathway is working, we held consultation sessions with MND associations across Australia. During May 2026:

53 representatives from MND associations took part
five online sessions were held with management, support coordinators and allied health staff
98% attendance was achieved, showing strong interest and value in the sessions
feedback shows a high level of engagement.

Participants also shared they would like to see these consultation sessions held annually to continuously improve the pathway.

What we heard

Feedback highlighted strong support for the MND Priority Pathway and the difference it is making.

MND associations told us:

the pathway is making a real difference, with faster access to supports and more responsive service delivery
dedicated planners are highly valued, with strong understanding of MND and consistent communication
collaboration between the pathway team and the sector is working well.

One participant shared:

‘The responsiveness, the understanding of motor neurone disease, and the collaborative nature of the team has led to a much better quality of life for people living with MND.’

Another participant said:

‘If you have an MND diagnosis you will be looked after in a timely fashion… we are lucky.’

Overall, engagement shows that the MND Priority Pathway is making a meaningful difference, while also highlighting where continued improvements can further strengthen support for people living with MND.

Opportunities to improve

Alongside this positive feedback, participants also identified areas where improvements could be made:

participants continue to raise the need for flexible funding periods
delays in getting the right technical advice and evidence to make a decision about home modifications, which can slow down outcomes
a need for clearer guidance for Allied health staff on reporting requirements for home and living, AT requests and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
opportunities to strengthen direct communication between NDIA staff and allied health professionals and speed up the process to get assessments and evidence about the participant’s disability support needs.

What happens next

We take a continuous improvement approach to the MND Priority Pathway.

We will make changes to make sure the Pathway continues to respond to the needs of people living with MND, their families, and the organisations who support them.

Priority aged care support for Australians with motor neurone disease

Recognising the value of the prioritisation pathway available to people with MND in the NDIS, the Government will change the aged care rules to recognise MND as a discrete, specific condition, which warrants urgent priority for support at home.

These two priority pathways into Aged Care or the NDIS provides support and certainty to Australians diagnosed with MND.

This change will give all older Australians with MND priority access to the Support at Home Program.

Find out more about the changes on the NDIS website.

Have your say

Engagement reminders

Expressions of interest for provider consultations – ongoing opportunities.
Shaping NDIS for First Nations children and young people – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.
Help shape the future NDIS pathway for children and young people – expressions of interest close 30 June 2026.

Disability sector news

Updates to levy contributions for employers in NSW

The NSW Long Service Corporation recently announced portable long service leave works in the NSW Community Services Industry.

The NSW Community Services Sector Portable Long Service Leave Scheme (CSI Scheme) commenced on 1 July 2025.

NDIS participants must register as an employer if they employ one or more eligible workers, including full-time, part-time, or casual.

To learn more, including whether this applies to you, visit NSW Government Long Service Corporation.

Co-design updates

The First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group met on 21 May 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

improving culturally safe communication channels with the NDIA for First Nations people
increasing First Nations staff in frontline roles supporting participants
improving First Nations recruitment and retention.

Upcoming Working Group meetings

First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group – 25 June

You can learn more about the meetings we have held recently and the work we have progressed with the disability community by visiting our Co-design NDIS Engage project pages:

Advisory and reference group updates

Self-Management Advisory Group

The Self-Management Advisory Group met on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

an NDIA update
Circles of Support and Microboards
supported independent living mandatory registration.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Children’s Expert Advisory Group

The Children’s Expert Advisory Group met on 30 April 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

the development of new NDIS Outcomes Framework
decision-making on informal supports: provision of advice on the application of s34(1)(e).

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Neurodegenerative Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group

The Neurodegenerative Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

support needs assessment targeted modules
impairments and flexible budgets
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing consultation on NDIS rules.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Home and living supports

Join us for an informative webinar exploring NDIS home and living supports, including what’s available, who they’re for, and how they can support greater independence and choice.

In this session we will cover:

what home and living means under the NDIS
different types of housing
home and living supports
home modifications
medium term accommodation
supported independent living
specialist disability accommodation.

Session dates:

Tuesday 16 June, 2026

To register, visit our Humanatix page.

New videos

Pathways to Post School Life webinar video

A video recording of our Pathways to Post School Life webinar is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

building a pathway to post school life
NDIS-funded supports
other services and programs
preparing for a planning meeting
selecting a suitable provider.

Community Connections webinar video

A video recording of our Community Connections webinar is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

the participant journey
how we support people with disability
community connections
types of community connections.

Community and Stakeholder Update – June 2026

Our video of the June Community and Stakeholder Update is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

Our Community and Stakeholder Updates recap news, consultations and updates from across the NDIS.

Information in the Community and Stakeholder Update includes:

NDIS announcements, changes, policies, updates, and media coverage
other disability related updates and inclusive and accessible programs operating locally or nationally
local events, good news stories, consultations, and engagements
challenges and achievements with the wider disability network.

You are welcome to share this with your members.