Font Size:
Font Size:
Link to homepageBCA logo

July 2026

NDIA Sector Update – 24/07/26

NDIS reform

Help participants learn about opportunities to test the new way of planning

Testing opportunities

Thousands of participants have expressed their interest in helping test parts of the new way of planning before it rolls out in April 2027.

Testing is now underway, and applications are still open.

We want to make sure testing reflects a wide range of disability types, lived experiences and support needs.

To support this, we’re particularly interested in hearing from participants who are:

  • First Nations
  • from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
  • LGBTQIA+
  • living in regional, remote and very remote locations
  • users of assistive technology or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Testing is voluntary and won’t affect a participant’s current or future NDIS plan, funding, eligibility or supports.

This is a paid opportunity.

Who can apply

Testing is open to:

  • participants aged 18 years and over
  • plan nominees for participants aged 18 years and over.

Authorised representatives for children under 18 do not need to apply at this stage.

Resources to help you promote testing

We invite you to share information with participants about testing the new way of planning.

By taking part in testing, participants can help us understand what works well, identify issues early and make improvements based on real participant experiences.

A communications toolkit is now available on NDIS Engage with ready-to-use resources.

You can share these resources through your existing communication channels to help people make informed decisions about whether to take part in testing.

The toolkit includes:

  • web content
  • newsletter content
  • social media content
  • FAQs
  • key messages.

Find out more

NDIS news

New First Nations Connect phone service

We have launched a new phone service called First Nations Connect.

It is for First Nations peoples, their families, carers, representatives, health workers, and community organisations.

Our culturally trained staff are here to listen and respond with respect and understanding.

Participants can call 1800 411 640 to access the service.

This service:

  • gives clear information in a respectful way
  • tries to answer questions on the first call
  • helps callers to feel safe, comfortable, and respected.

This service does not:

  • affect NDIS eligibility, funding, or claims
  • make processing faster, or give special treatment
  • replace other ways to contact the NDIS.

Supporting First Nations participants

First Nations Connect offers First Nations peoples a more culturally respectful and tailored way to connect with the NDIS.

The service was developed in response to feedback from First Nations communities, who wanted to speak with people who understand identity, community, and cultural values, and who can explain the NDIS clearly.

More than 230 stakeholders helped design the service, and all staff have completed specialised training developed with the NDIA’s First Nations Group.

We will continue to listen to feedback from First Nations people and community partners and use insights from calls and common questions to improve the service.

This service supports:

  • the NDIA’s commitment to Closing the Gap
  • Disability Royal Commission recommendations to improve access to culturally safe services
  • our work to improve participant experiences, build trust, and deliver better outcomes for First Nations people with disability.

Learn more about the new service on the NDIS website.

NDIS Inclusive Recruitment Guide released

We have released the Inclusive Recruitment Guide.

This Guide is to help NDIS employment providers:

  • build relationships with employers
  • address employer challenges in finding suitable staff
  • promote the benefits of a diverse workforce
  • build employer confidence to attract and support a diverse workforce.

Learn more and access the Guide on the NDIS website.

Updating bank details

We are making changes to how we manage and update NDIS participants’ bank account details.

We’re doing this to help reduce the risk of fraud and to keep participants’ personal information safe.

We have introduced extra security checks for high-risk transactions, such as updating bank account and personal details.

These checks apply to both participants and registered providers.

Learn more about the change on the NDIS website.

Have your say

New self-guided engagement learning courses

We’ve introduced new self-guided learning courses for participants and their supporters.

The courses are for anyone who wants to feel confident, informed, and supported to take part in NDIS engagement activities and were created with people with disability and their supporters.

The courses include:

  • tips and advice from people who have taken part in NDIS engagement activities
  • videos and online courses in accessible formats.

The courses cover:

  • what NDIS engagements are
  • what to expect
  • how to prepare for them
  • how to look after your wellbeing in the process.

You can find the new self-guided learning courses, on the Helping you engage page.

We encourage you to share these resources with your networks to help people take part in NDIS engagement activities:

  • Visit NDIS Engage for upcoming engagement opportunities and follow the topics that matter to you.
  • Join Participant First for invitations to unique feedback opportunities that help improve the NDIS. Many feedback opportunities are paid.

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

New Technical Advisory Group established

The Australian Government has established a Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

The TAG brings together national expertise relevant to disability and functional assessment, including people with lived experience of disability, diversity and First Nations.

The TAG will give independent, expert advice to support reforms to NDIS access and eligibility.

Find out more about the Technical Advisory Group on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Independent Advisory Council updates

Independent Advisory Council meeting bulletin

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) met on 25 June 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • what they have heard in their communities
  • the IAC’s ‘Home and Living’ and ‘Justice’ advice
  • Supported Independent Living commissioning.

Find the full meeting bulletin on the IAC website.

Reference and advisory group updates

Rural and Remote Advisory Group

The Rural and Remote Advisory Group met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • an update from the NDIA
  • the First Nations market and sector development strategy
  • the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for future generations) Bill 2026.

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, 27 May 2026.

The focus of the meeting was:

NDIA workforce capability and training

  • feedback on draft support needs assessment resources for participants
  • an update from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing about reforms
  • support needs assessment testing.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Pathways to post school life

When a 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 talk about:

  • 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.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Ways to manage your NDIS plan

There are 3 ways to manage NDIS funding: self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA managed.

In this session we will talk about:

  • how each option works, including who pays providers and manages financial records
  • which option may best suit a participant’s needs and goals, and how these decisions are discussed during a plan meeting
  • the factors considered when determining how funding is managed.

Session dates

  • Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Working with providers

This session will explore how participants can work effectively with NDIS providers.

In this session we will talk about:

  • how to find and choose NDIS providers that meet their needs
  • what a service agreement is and why it’s important
  • participants’ rights and responsibilities when working with providers
  • what to do if issues arise with a provider or supports.

Session dates:

  • Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Employment supports

Employment supports can help participants build skills, find work, keep work, and move toward their goals.

In this session we will talk about:

  • what types of employment supports the NDIS can fund
  • who employment supports are for and when they might be appropriate
  • how employment supports can help with getting a job, staying in work, or developing workplace skills.

Session dates:

  • Thursday, 27 August 2026.

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

New videos

Community and Stakeholder Update – July 2026

Our video of the July 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.

Working with providers webinar

A video recording of our Working with providers webinar is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

  • what providers are
  • how to work with providers
  • how to find and choose a provider
  • service agreements
  • ‘my providers’
  • safeguards.

Employment supports webinar

A video recording of our Employment supports webinar is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

  • understanding supports and preparing for work
  • NDIS funded employment supports
  • preparing for a planning meeting
  • other services and programs
  • connecting with a provider.

NDIA Sector Update – 10/07/26

NDIS reform

Changes to NDIS amendment factsheet

On 14 May 2026, the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill was introduced to Parliament.

To help people understand the changes, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a helpful fact sheet.

The fact sheet summarises key amendments to the Bill which were agreed in the House of Representatives on 1 July 2026.

Learn more about changes to the NDIS on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

NDIS news

NDIA Board

The Australian Government has announced new and returning appointments to the NDIA Board.

New appointments to the NDIS Board include Mr Nigel Ray PSM, Ms Lois Boswell and Ms Jane Spring.

These new appointments bring a wealth of experience across disability advocacy, public administration, human services and governance.

Current members, Dr Graeme Innes AM, Dr Richard Fejo, and Ms Estelle Pearson have been re-appointed for an additional 3-year term, recognising the importance of leadership continuity and corporate knowledge in guiding the Board’s work.

Learn more about the new appointments on the NDIS website.

NDIS support catalogue 2026-27 released

The NDIS support catalogue 2026-27 is now available on the NDIS website.

The support catalogue lists all available NDIS supports providers can use when requesting a payment, and shows which claim type applies to each support item.

It should be used in conjunction with the NDIS pricing schedule. The NDIS pricing schedule sets out information about what we consider to be the appropriate and reasonable maximum prices for all NDIS supports.

Learn more and download the support catalogue on the NDIS website.

Short-term accommodation claiming changes

From 1 July 2026, there are changes to how participants and providers claim for short-term accommodation (STA) supports.

The new NDIS pricing schedule includes separate items for the accommodation component and support hours. This allows for accurate claiming which reflects actual hours of support delivered, the timing of support, and the intensity of the support provided.

The accommodation component includes separate items for participant accommodation and support worker accommodation.

The change also makes sure funding is only used for NDIS supports.

Funding for STA cannot be used to pay for:

  • holiday packages
  • holiday accommodation
  • airfares
  • food or meals
  • costs associated with activities and entrance fees.

The name of the support has also changed back to short-term accommodation from short term respite in response to feedback from the community.

Learn more about short-term accommodation on the NDIS website.

More flexibility for participants in shared accommodation

We are making it easier for participants in shared accommodation to get the supports they need through changes to Programs of Support.

As of 1 July 2026, Programs of Support can be used for daily personal activities support delivered in a shared accommodation setting.

Previously Programs of Support were only used for:

support Independent Living (SIL)

supports in the Social, Economic and Community Participation category (including employment supports)

any supports in Capacity Building categories.

Learn more about these changes on the NDIS website.

Supported Independent Living claiming and payment changes

As of 1 July 2026, new claiming requirements and registration rules will apply to all supported independent living (SIL) providers, including a new claim code and updated eligibility requirements.

Learn more about these changes on the NDIS website.

Have your say

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

Grants for people with autism

The Australian Government is providing three grants to support people with autism.

Boosting autism research

The Australian Government will provide $11.1 million over 3 years to La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.

This funding will be used to establish the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub, as part of the Australian Government’s National Autism Strategy.

Find out more about the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Boosting employment outcomes

The Australian Government is providing more than $900,000 to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand Inc.

This funding will be used to deliver training and resources to improve awareness and understanding of autism, particularly in the workplace.

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

Justice system boost

The Australian Government is providing $643,853 over 2 years to Reframing Autism.

The grant will fund activities and resources that promote understanding and build the skills of youth justice workers to help people working in the youth justice system better understand and support Autistic people.

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

Co-design updates

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:

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Using your NDIS plan

When we talk about using a NDIS plan, we mean understanding how to make the most of the supports and funding available to participants.

In this session we will talk about:

  • understanding support budgets and how funding can be used
  • what to expect at a plan implementation meeting to feel prepared
  • how to find providers and understand pricing arrangements
  • tips for managing a NDIS plan budget to stay on track.

Session dates:

  • Wednesday, 15 July 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Community Connections

Community Connections are all about helping people find the supports they need in their local community.

In this session we will talk about:

  • what NDIA Community Connections are and how they can help
  • how to find practical information about your 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 your access request.

Session dates:

Thursday, 23 July 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Pathways to post school life

When a 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 talk about:

  • 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.