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May 2026

NDIA Sector Update – 15/05/26

NDIS reform

Federal budget

The Australian Government has announced reforms in this year’s Federal Budget.

This will be delivered by:

  • fighting fraud and stopping rorts
  • slowing rapid cost increases
  • clearer eligibility requirements
  • delivering quality services and support to participants.

To do this, the government has introduced a bill to Parliament. Nothing will change until this law passes. Current NDIS rules and planning stay the same until then.

Participants don’t need to do anything. They should keep using their current plan.

Read more about budget reforms on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Bill introduction to parliament

To support NDIS sustainability and protection, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 14 May 2026.

This bill will change the NDIS Act 2013, including:

  • clarifying eligibility and the supports the NDIS funds
  • addressing fraud within the NDIS
  • updating governance and administrative arrangements.

To learn more about the bill visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Securing the NDIS for future generations

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have released a timeline with key dates for implementing the Government’s plan to secure the future of the NDIS.

The timeline shows consultations and changes planned from 2026 to 2030. It also highlights key changes for participants and providers.

Find the full timeline on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Easy Read factsheets

Easy Read factsheets about securing the NDIS for future generations are now available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Factsheets available include:

  • general information about securing the NDIS for future generations
  • returning the NDIS to what it was supposed to do
  • supporting people to be part of their community
  • having good supports and services
  • stopping fraud and non-compliance.

To download the factsheets and learn more, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

NDIS news

NDIS information in Auslan

Our NDIS website includes videos explaining NDIS processes and supports in Auslan.

These resources include NDIS concepts which had not previously been translated into Auslan. A diverse linguistic team was formed to create the signs to make sure they are accurate and reflect the diversity of language in Auslan across Australia.

Find out more and watch our Auslan translations on the NDIS website.

Guide to getting paid

We’ve updated the Guide to getting paid page for providers on the NDIS website.

This page includes:

  • instructions for providers with information on how to submit payment requests
  • the information needed to claim
  • information about the payment process for different plan management types
  • provider responsibilities.

The page now also includes a downloadable registered provider manual claim form for registered providers who are unable to submit claims through the provider portal.

Find out more about the payment process for providers on the NDIS website.

How to manage Specialist Disability Accommodation vacancies

New information about how to manage Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) vacancies is now available on the NDIS website.

This new page includes information on the 5-step process to follow when managing SDA vacancies.

To learn more about the process, visit the NDIS website.

Have your say

Take part in testing the new way of planning

Join our pool of participants and representatives who help us test parts of the new planning process.

What is the new way of planning pool?

We’re creating a group of people we can contact for feedback. This group is called a pool.

If you join, we may invite you to take part in activities that help improve the new planning approach.

  • You don’t have to join every activity.
  • You choose what suits you.
  • You can leave the pool at any time.

Why join the pool?

Your feedback will help us:

  • improve participant experiences
  • test tools and resources
  • create inclusive service guidelines
  • learn from people with different levels of knowledge about the NDIS.

Who is this pool for?

We want to hear from NDIS participants, plan nominees, or child representatives.

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, including:

  • people with different types of disability
  • people who use supported decision-making
  • people who use more than one plan management type
  • people with experiences or concerns about fraud, fairness, or how things were handled (integrity)
  • First Nations People
  • people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
  • LGBTQIA+ people.

To learn more and share your feedback, visit NDIS Engage.

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

Applications open for grants to improve the lives of people with disability

The Australian Government has launched an open competitive grant funding opportunity for organisations supporting people with disability, their families and carers.

For more information on the grants, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Rare Voices Australia: Virtual Kitchen Table

Rare Voices Australia (RVA) is offering free online peer support sessions to connect, share experiences, and support one another in a safe, respectful space.

Each session focuses on one theme, and are open to people:

  • living with rare disease disability
  • caring for someone living with rare disease disability
  • who are not in a formal role in any RVA Partner group or organisation.

To see the session topics, 2026 schedule and to register, visit the Rare Voices Australia website.

Co-design updates

Upcoming Co-design working group meetings

  • First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group – 21 May

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

Independent Advisory Council updates

Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting

A bulletin for the 22-23 April 2026 Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting is now available.

The group discussed:

  • what they have heard in their communities
  • the Agency’s Support Needs Assessments update
  • the IAC’s Advice update.

Find the full meeting bulletin on the IAC website.

Reference and advisory group updates

Rural and Remote Advisory Group meeting

A summary of the 7 April 2026 Rural and Remote Advisory Group meeting is now available.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • NDIA update
  • First Nations Strategy
  • Support Needs Assessments
  • sharp practices.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Co-design Advisory Group meeting summary

A summary of the 16 March 2026 Co-design Advisory Group meeting is now available.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • an update on the NDIA Engagement Framework
  • Co-design Advisory Group business in 2026
  • the Home and Living Framework.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

First Nations Participant Consultation Group meeting

A summary of the 26 March 2026 First Nations Participant Consultation Group meeting is now available.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • the draft First Nations Strategy Implementation Plan
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Working with providers

This session will explore how participants can work effectively with NDIS providers, from choosing the right supports to communicating expectations and managing changes so supports work the way they’re intended to.

In this session we will talk about:

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

Session dates:

  • Thursday, 21 May 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

New videos

Access and Eligibility Webinar video

A video recording of our Access and Eligibility webinar is now available.

This video includes Auslan interpretation and captioning.

In this presentation we cover:

  • what we mean by ‘applying to the NDIS’
  • eligibility
  • providing evidence
  • early intervention requirements
  • how to apply and who can help
  • what happens after we decide
  • eligibility reassessments
  • case studies
  • frequently asked questions
  • links to further information.

Community and Stakeholder Update – May 2026

Our video of the May 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.

NDIA Sector Update – 01/04/26

NDIS reform

Securing the NDIS for future generations

The Minister Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Disability has announced the Australian Government’s plan to secure the future of the NDIS through 4 pillars:

  • fighting fraud and stopping rorts
  • slowing rapid costs increases
  • clearer eligibility requirements
  • delivering quality services and support to participants.

The Minister also announced that following consultation with people with disability and their families, carers and advocates, the rollout of new framework planning will be delayed until 1 April 2027.

Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website for:

Visit the NDIS website for more about how we’re securing the NDIS for future generations.

Design Hub

We have set up a Design Hub for participants and staff to explore and improve the new way of planning before it rolls out.

The Design Hub:

  • uses real-life scenarios, one-to-one simulations and group activities which feel real but are designed for learning
  • is a safe and respectful inclusive space for people to share feedback
  • collects feedback in real time so changes can be made quickly
  • is using feedback to refine tools, processes, systems, and participant communications.

What we have tested

So far, we have worked with 180 participants to test:

  • the Support Needs Assessment experience
  • the plan discussion
  • communication materials
  • participant and staff experience across the new pathway stages
  • accessibility, clarity and usability of tools and resources
  • staff training, scripts, guidance and processes.

What we will test next

During 2026, the Design Hub will do more testing with participants and their families and carers. All Design Hub activities are simulations and do not affect real NDIS funding.

Get involved

We are inviting NDIS participants to help us test parts of the new way of planning process.

To learn more and take part, visit NDIS Engage.

NDIS Reform Advisory Committee meeting summary

A summary of the 13 March 2026 NDIS Reform Advisory Committee meeting is now available.

At the meeting, the Committee:

  • heard from Mr. Graeme Head AO, Chief Executive Officer NDIA, in an open question and answer session with members
  • discussed a presentation and associated materials on the proposed NDIS Supports rules
  • discussed the content of the Committee’s first 6-monthly report to the Disability Reform Ministerial Council.

Find the full meeting summary on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

NDIS news

Changes to the improve the NDIS website

We’re improving the NDIS website to make it easier to use.

The updates are based on what participants told us they need. We developed the new information on the website and its structure based on nearly 700 hours of consultation with more than 300 participants and their supporters. Thanks to those of you that took part in this process.

From early May 2026, the participant and provider pages will change. You will find clearer menus and shorter pages with simple language.

All the information you need is still there. It just looks a little different.

The updates to the website will make it simpler and easier for people to get information about reform and changes to the NDIS.

There will be links and redirection from previous pages to help you navigate information.

You can share feedback using the website feedback form.

Feedback and complaints

We are committed to improving the NDIS by listening to people who share their feedback.

At any time, you can submit a complaint, provide a compliment or offer a suggestion to help us improve our service.

You can provide feedback by filling out our feedback and complaints form, or by using one of our other feedback channels.

Our feedback process helps make sure feedback reaches the right people and helps to protect participant privacy by making sure information is handled in a secure way.

For more information, read our Enquiries, Feedback and Complaints policy, also available in Easy Read and languages other than English.

Please note, if you are raising an issue on behalf of a participant you will need to have their consent to do so. You can learn more about the ways participants can provide consent on the NDIS website.

my NDIS provider portal guides update

We’ve released an update to the my NDIS provider portal step-step guide. You can also find on the page guidance for:

  • myID and RAM guides
  • how to manage NDIS registration, bookings and payments
  • system and error messages guides
  • Bulk Payment Request self-help guides
  • a Bulk Payment Request template
  • myplace provider portal privacy notice
  • step-by-step guides on the my NDIS provider portal.

You can find these resources on the NDIS website.

Fraud and Corruption Control Plan

In March, we published our latest Fraud and Corruption Control Plan.

Regular updates to this plan are part of how we check the strength of our fraud and corruption control.

Read the latest plan and learn more on the NDIS website.

Accredited Specialist Disability Accommodation assessor list updated

Accredited Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) assessors are third party assessors engaged by an SDA developer, owner or provider to certify compliance of a dwelling with the SDA Design Standard.

We’ve recently updated the NDIS website with the latest details of accredited SDA assessors.

Visit the NDIS website to view the accredited SDA assessor list.

Engagement reminders

Disability sector news

Project helps people with disability in Tasmania to live well

The Australian Government is providing funding to New Horizons Tasmania to deliver the Live Well project.

The project aims to improve the lives of those with disability, their families and carers.

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

National Assistance Card to continue supporting people with disability across Tasmania

The Australian Government is providing funding to the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania to support continued delivery of the National Assistance Card (the Card).

This helps people with disability, particularly young people, to express their needs and participate more fully in everyday life.

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

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have reported on several concerns and key issues about conduct by some businesses operating in NDIS markets.

Read more on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website.

Co-design updates

Upcoming Co-design working group meetings

  • First Nations Participant and Carer Consultation Group – 21 May 2026

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

Independent Advisory Council updates

Independent Advisory Council meeting bulletin

The bulletin for 24 to 26 March meetings of the Independent Advisory Council is now available.

At the meeting, they discussed:

  • what they have heard in their communities
  • an update on Scheme reform
  • an update on IAC Advice and workplan.

Find the full meeting bulletin on the IAC website.

Advisory and reference group updates

Autism Advisory Group meeting summary

A summary of the 24 February meeting of the Autism Advisory Group is now available.

The meeting focused on:

  • an introduction from Graeme Head AO as new NDIA CEO
  • National Autism Guidelines Working Group progress report
  • 2026 workplan review
  • consultation on improving service agreements.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Children’s Expert Advisory Group meeting summary

A summary of the 26 February 2026 Children’s Expert Advisory Group meeting is now available.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • Thriving Kids update
  • Support Needs Assessment update
  • children and young people, guiding principles for policy and reforms
  • Our Guidelines on the Early Childhood Approach.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

National Mental Health Sector Reference Group meeting

A summary of the 4 March 2026 National Mental Health Sector Reference Group meeting is now available.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • NDIA update
  • 2026 NDIA Psychosocial disability priorities
  • 2026 workplan
  • New Framework Planning.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Neurodegenerative, Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group meeting

A summary of the 4 February 2026 Neurodegenerative Palliative Care and Rare Diseases Advisory Group meeting is now available.

The focus of the meeting was:

  • Remote Service Delivery Model
  • pricing arrangements
  • New Framework Planning.

Find the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

NDIS events

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Funding periods

Funding periods make a participant’s budget available in regular intervals. This can help with planning ahead and making sure funding lasts for the full length of an NDIS plan.

In this session we will talk about:

  • what funding periods are and why they have been introduced
  • how funding periods work in practice and what they mean for accessing funding
  • how funding periods can help with budgeting and planning across a whole plan
  • what’s changing in NDIS plans and how longer plans are supported
  • practical tips for managing supports within funding periods with confidence.

Session date:

  • Tuesday, 5 May 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.

Understanding the NDIS webinar series: Employment supports

Employment supports through the NDIS can help participants build skills, find and keep work, and move toward their employment 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 date:

  • Wednesday, 13 May 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, from choosing the right supports to communicating expectations and managing changes so supports work the way they’re intended to.

In this session we will talk about:

  • how to find and choose NDIS providers that meet a participant’s 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 date:

  • Tuesday, 21 May 2026

To register, visit our Humanitix page.