The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has entered its most significant reform period since its creation. Following the passage of the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 through both Houses of Parliament, the NDIS will continue to operate, but under a framework that places greater emphasis on sustainability, consistency, provider accountability and fraud prevention.
For participants, families and providers, the most important message is this:
The NDIS is not ending, current participants are not being automatically removed from the Scheme, and existing review rights remain in place. However, the environment in which plans are created, reviewed and funded is changing.
Why Were These Changes Introduced?
The Federal Government has argued that the NDIS has experienced unsustainable growth and has become increasingly vulnerable to fraud, exploitation and inconsistent decision-making. The reforms are intended to protect the Scheme for current and future generations while ensuring funding remains focused on people with permanent and significant disability.
The amendments focus on three key areas:
- Strengthening the integrity of the NDIS.
- Clarifying access and eligibility.
- Improving long-term sustainability of the Scheme.
What Has Changed for Participants?
Current Participants Remain in the Scheme
One of the biggest concerns in the disability community was whether existing participants would be removed from the NDIS.
The answer is no.
The legislation does not automatically remove current participants from the Scheme, and participants continue to retain important review and appeal rights. Existing plans remain valid and participants will continue to receive supports while their plans are active.
However, future planning decisions may increasingly consider:
- Scheme sustainability
- Equity between participants
- Consistency of funding decisions
- Whether supports are considered reasonable and necessary
This means future plan reviews may involve greater scrutiny than participants have experienced previously.
Greater Protection for People With High Support Needs
During consultation and parliamentary debate, concerns were raised about participants who require significant daily support, including those needing continuous care.
In response, the final legislation includes additional safeguards and creates pathways for participants to seek plan variations where their health or safety may be affected. This is particularly relevant for people who rely on:
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Complex supports
- Significant personal care
- Continuous or 24-hour support arrangements
These amendments are intended to reduce the risk of participants being left without essential supports due to broader funding changes.
Changes to Reviews and Reassessments
The reforms also alter how unscheduled reassessments operate.
Under the new arrangements:
- Participants can request reassessments following significant and ongoing changes in circumstances.
- Changes no longer need to be “unexpected” or “unanticipated”.
- If the NDIA does not make a decision within 90 days, the request is treated as refused, allowing participants to access review rights.
This is a significant improvement for participants who previously experienced lengthy periods of uncertainty while waiting for reassessment decisions.
Stronger Fraud and Provider Integrity Measures
One of the largest areas of reform relates to fraud prevention and improving confidence in the Scheme. New measures include:
- Additional criminal offences for fraud.
- Stronger penalties for false or misleading information.
- Protections for whistleblowers.
- Greater powers for regulators to take action against unethical providers.
- A ban on provider inducements and kickbacks.
The Government has made it clear that providers offering rewards or incentives designed to influence participant choice may face significant penalties. Cash, cash-equivalent products and similar inducements are a particular focus of the reforms.
For participants, these changes are intended to improve safety, service quality and confidence in provider conduct.
What Happens in 2028?
Many of the most significant reforms have not yet commenced.
From 1 January 2028, the Government intends to introduce a new framework for determining access to the NDIS based on standardised assessments of functional capacity rather than relying primarily on diagnosis.
The Government has indicated further consultation and detail will be provided before these changes take effect.
While there is significant debate about how these future arrangements will operate, they are not yet in force.
What Does This Mean for Families?
For most families, there will be no immediate change to day-to-day supports.
Participants will continue to:
- Receive funded supports in accordance with their plans.
- Access reviews and appeals.
- Work with their providers and support networks.
- Seek reassessments when circumstances significantly change.
Families should, however, expect future plan reviews to place greater focus on evidence, outcomes and the justification for requested supports as the NDIA implements the new legislative framework.
What Should Participants Do Now?
At this stage, participants do not need to panic or make immediate changes.
Instead, it is important to:
✅ Continue using supports as outlined in current plans.
✅ Keep evidence and reports up to date.
✅ Document any significant changes in support needs.
✅ Seek advice if a review or reassessment is approaching.
✅ Stay informed as further details emerge.
Lion and Mouse Australia’s View
While the reforms represent a major change for the disability sector, Lion and Mouse Australia remains committed to supporting participants, families and carers through this transition.
Our focus remains on:
- Supporting participants to achieve their goals.
- Delivering high-quality and ethical services.
- Advocating for participant rights.
- Helping families understand and navigate change.
The NDIS is evolving, but our commitment to the people we support has not changed. As further information, rules and implementation details are released, we will continue to provide updates and practical guidance to our community. 💙🦁