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
- Supported Decision Making – expressions of interest close 12 July 2026.
- Expressions of interest for provider consultations – ongoing opportunities.
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:
- Assessment and Budgeting
- Participant Safeguarding
- Navigator
- Participant Pathway experience
- First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group
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.