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Understanding the Future of the NDIS

Key updates from the 2026 NDIA briefing and reform roadmap

Insights from Commonwealth reform materials, NDIA engagement, and sector roundtable discussions.


Read official reform timeline:



The NDIS is entering a structured reform phase

The Government has outlined a staged program of changes from 2026 to 2030 focused on strengthening sustainability, improving consistency in planning, and enhancing quality and safeguarding frameworks across the scheme.


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What the reforms are focused on

Stronger scheme sustainability

Improving long-term viability of the NDIS


More consistent planning frameworks

Standardised approaches to assessment and supports


Enhanced quality and safeguards

Stronger oversight and clearer provider expectations


Clearer eligibility settings

Functional capacity becoming central to access decisions



Reform Timeline Snapshot

2026: Consultation and early implementation

  • Legislation introduced to Parliament

  • Consultation begins on planning, eligibility, pricing, and commissioning models

  • Expansion of provider registration begins (SIL and platform providers)

  • Early changes to claims and compliance requirements



2027: System expansion

  • New provider enrolment systems introduced

  • Expansion of mandatory registration requirements

  • New framework planning rollout begins

  • Plan management model changes introduced


2028: New access framework

  • Functional capacity assessment introduced for new applicants

  • Existing participants progressively reassessed over 3 years

  • Thriving Kids program fully operational nationally

  • Support coordination model restructured


2030: Full transition complete

  • New framework planning fully embedded across the scheme



What this means for participants and families

  • Supports for essential daily living will continue

  • Changes will be phased in over time with advance notice

  • Consultation remains central to implementation

  • Participants will continue to receive funded supports based on assessed need

Some planning, eligibility, and budget structures will change gradually over time.


Participant FAQs:


A child wear a hearing aid is sitting at a desk, interacting with a woman across from them.

What this means for providers

  • Expanded registration requirements across more support types

  • Increased claims visibility and record-keeping requirements

  • Transition toward commissioning models for selected services

  • Stronger compliance and safeguarding expectations


Provider FAQs



Sector engagement and consultation

The reforms are being shaped through ongoing consultation with:

  • People with disability

  • Providers and sector organisations

  • State and territory governments

  • Technical advisory groups

A Technical Advisory Group will commence in mid-2026 to provide independent advice on functional capacity assessment design and eligibility thresholds.



Enable WA perspective

Following today’s NDIA briefing and sector roundtable engagement, Enable WA is actively reviewing the implications of these reforms across service delivery, governance, and quality frameworks.


Our focus remains on:

  • Consistent, high-quality participant support

  • Strong safeguarding and compliance systems

  • Continuity of care for families and participants

  • Alignment with evolving regulatory expectations

We will continue to engage with reform updates as they progress through consultation and implementation phases.




Official resources

Legislation factsheet


Reform timeline


Participant FAQs


Provider FAQs


Impact analysis



Staying informed

The NDIS reform program will continue to evolve through consultation and staged implementation.

Enable WA will continue sharing updates as changes are confirmed and operationalised.


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