NDIS Reform: What the latest changes may mean for you

There has been a lot of discussion, social media activity and media coverage in recent months about changes to the NDIS.

This week, the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 passed Parliament.

We understand this may feel unsettling, especially while some details are still being developed. The most important thing to know is that the changes will happen in stages. They will not affect everyone at the same time or in the same way.

What you need to know now

You can continue using your current plan and receiving your supports.

You do not need to take action because of this announcement unless the NDIA contacts you.

The NDIA has said it will communicate with participants before changes affect them.

You do not need to work through these changes alone

Cootharinga is here to listen, answer questions about your current supports and share clear information as details are confirmed.

Why is the NDIS changing?

The Australian Government says the reforms are intended to make the NDIS safer, clearer and more sustainable.

The Government says changes are intended to:

• Keep the NDIS focused on people with permanent and significant disability
• Make access, planning and funding decisions clearer and more consistent
• Strengthen safeguards for participants
• Improve oversight of providers delivering NDIS-funded supports
• Strengthen fraud prevention and scheme integrity
• Support the NDIS to continue into the future

The legislation was informed by feedback from people with disability, families, carers, advocates, providers and the broader disability community. Several amendments were made to strengthen participant safeguards and clarify parts of the legislation.

Key dates for the changes:

1 October 2026: Progressive adjustments to some participation and capacity-building budgets begin

1 February 2027: Changes to reasonable-and-necessary assessments, plan reassessments and renewals begin progressively

1 April 2027: Participants begin transitioning to the new planning approach

1 July 2027: Expanded registration requirements for higher-risk providers begin

1 October 2027: New plan management provider panel begins

1 January 2028: Changes to NDIS access begin

1 July 2028: New support coordination and connection service begins

End of 2030: Planned completion of expanded provider registration

These are the Government’s implementation dates as at August 2026. Some details still require further consultation, supporting rules or guidance and may change. View the government reform timeline here.

Stay up to date

The NDIA will contact participants and providers before changes are introduced. As further details become available, you can find official information through:

• The NDIS website
• The NDIA’s participant and provider newsletters
• The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s NDIS reforms updates

Signing up for these updates can help you understand what is changing, when changes will begin and whether you need to take any action.

Cootharinga is here alongside you

You do not need to work through these changes alone.

Cootharinga will continue to follow the reforms, share clear information as details are confirmed and work alongside you to support the things that matter.

To discuss how your current Cootharinga supports are delivered, speak with your Cootharinga service team.

This article provides general information and should not be treated as advice about an individual NDIS plan or eligibility.