There are major reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which is aiming to enhance safety and service quality by introducing mandatory registration for certain providers, with consultation on these changes will begin in October, with a transition period provided to help providers adjust to the new mandatory registration requirements. Currently, while registration is voluntary for most services, a few high-risk areas—such as those involving restrictive practices or specialist disability accommodation—require it. With approximately 16,000 providers registered out of over 150,000, concerns about the quality and oversight of unregistered services have been rising.
In 2024, the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce, led by Natalie Wade, recommended 11 key changes to address these concerns. As an immediate response, the government has mandated registration for platform providers, support coordinators, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. This measure aims to strengthen safeguards for participants and ensure higher accountability from service providers.
Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, emphasized the importance of these reforms, citing the Taskforce’s recommendations to enhance regulatory frameworks for a safer, more transparent provider market. The reforms include amendments to the NDIS (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018. These amendments will involve ongoing consultations with the disability community to co-design a new regulatory model, striving to balance participants’ rights with increased visibility of their service arrangements to the NDIS Commission.
The urgency for reform is highlighted by a notable rise in complaints and reportable incidents. During the 2023-24 financial year, the NDIS Commission received over 29,000 complaints and 82,000 reportable incidents—significant increases from the previous year. This surge underscores the need for improved regulatory oversight while maintaining the choice and control that NDIS participants value.
The government’s commitment is to create a system that ensures both quality and flexibility, effectively balancing participant autonomy with the need for increased safety. The ongoing consultations are critical for developing a model that reflects the needs of the disability community and aligns with the broader objectives of the NDIS.
At I-Help Disability Services, we are proud to be a registered Supported Independent Living provider, committed to delivering disability support services that exceed industry standards. Our dedication to quality is evident in our adherence to the six NDIS quality standards:
- Rights and Responsibilities: We respect and protect the rights of people with disabilities, treating them with dignity and honouring their choices.
- Governance and Management: We run our operations transparently and effectively, with strong policies and risk management in place.
- Access to Supports: We ensure clients have easy and fair access to the support and services they need, providing timely information.
- Support Planning and Delivery: We work with clients to create support plans that fit their needs and goals.
- Feedback and Complaints: We listen to feedback and have clear processes to handle complaints, helping us improve our services.
- Service Review: We regularly check our services to ensure they meet quality standards and make improvements when needed.
Maintaining high-quality standards is essential for ensuring that individuals receive the care and assistance needed to live independently and with dignity. By adhering to these standards, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery
For any support accommodation or core support requests, contact us on:
📞 1300 004 337
📧 info@ihds.com.au
🌐 i-helpdisability.com.au
