NDIS Reforms Announced: What You Need to Know
On 22 April, Federal Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced a major package of proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
These reforms are designed to improve the long-term sustainability and consistency of the NDIS—but they’ve also raised plenty of questions for participants, families, and providers.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s been announced, what it could mean for you, and what to expect next.
No Changes Right Now
Let’s start with the most important point: nothing is changing immediately.
Your current NDIS plan, funding, and supports will continue as normal. There’s no need to make any urgent decisions or changes based on this announcement.
All proposed reforms must pass through Parliament before they become law, and timelines may shift as details are finalised.
What’s Expected in 2026
The first stage of reforms is expected to begin in 2026, focusing on how plans are managed and monitored.
One key change is the tightening of unscheduled plan reassessments. These will become more limited, meaning it may be harder to request plan changes outside your scheduled review unless there has been a significant change in your circumstances.
Another major update is the end of funding rollovers. Any unspent funds will no longer carry over into your next plan period. This aims to better align funding with your current needs, but it also means participants will need to be more mindful of how their budgets are used.
From October 2026, some budget adjustments are expected over time—particularly in areas like Social, Civic and Community Participation and certain Capacity Building supports. Importantly, funding for essential daily living and critical supports is not expected to be impacted.
There will also be provider changes, including mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and platform providers from July 2026.
What’s Changing in 2027
From 2027, the reforms begin to reshape how the NDIS assesses and delivers supports.
The definition of “reasonable and necessary” supports will be tightened, with a stronger focus on consistency. This means decisions about what is funded may follow more standardised criteria across all participants.
A new planning framework is expected to roll out from April 2027. This will introduce a different approach to assessing support needs and setting budgets, with a gradual transition for existing participants.
Provider regulation will also expand, with more providers—particularly those delivering higher-risk supports—required to be registered from July 2027.
Changes to plan management are also proposed. From October 2027, participants will still be able to choose their plan manager, but only from a list of approved providers.
Looking Ahead to 2028
The later stages of reform focus on how people access the NDIS and how it interacts with other services.
From 2028, eligibility is expected to shift toward assessing how a condition impacts a person’s daily life, rather than relying primarily on diagnosis.
There will also be clearer boundaries between what the NDIS funds and what falls under mainstream services such as health and education. Alongside this, states and territories will introduce “foundational supports”—community-based services available to people with disability, whether or not they are NDIS participants.
Support coordination may also change, with participants expected to choose coordinators from a government-approved panel from July 2028. However, there is still limited detail on how this will work in practice.
How These Changes Become Law
Before any of these reforms take effect, they must go through the Australian Parliament.
A bill is expected to be introduced in May 2026. It will then be debated and voted on in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If passed, it will receive final approval (known as royal assent) before becoming law.
The government has indicated a target date of 30 June 2026, though this timeline may change.
What Should You Do Now?
While there’s nothing you need to do immediately, this is a good opportunity to check in on your plan.
Consider:
How your funding is tracking
Whether your supports still align with your goals
When your next review is scheduled
Being proactive now can help you feel more prepared as changes roll out over the coming years.
Final Thoughts
The NDIS is evolving, and these proposed reforms represent a significant shift in how the scheme will operate in the future.
While some changes may feel uncertain, the key message right now is simple: your current supports remain in place.
Staying informed, asking questions, and seeking support when needed will help you navigate what’s ahead with confidence.