I’ve been keeping an eye on recent developments in the NDIS, and some of the stories are worrying.
In the past year, several providers have faced substantial fines for failures in participant safety and neglect, with inadequate staff training often cited as a key factor. These cases remind us that good intentions alone aren’t enough when knowledge gaps lead to real harm.
For instance, in Tasmania this month, a provider was fined $1.1 million for serious breaches, including failing to follow care plans, improper medication administration, and poor supervision. Court findings noted that staff lacked adequate training to meet complex needs, contributing to neglect and health risks.
Another case from last year saw a provider fined $1.9 million after a tragic choking death. The court stressed that support workers received no formal training on managing known choking risks, despite clear plans in place.
There’s also a record $2.5 million penalty against a supported living operator for widespread safety lapses, stemming from insufficient incident management and staff preparation that left participants and workers exposed.
These aren’t just fines…they’re about the people who deserved safer support, and they show how quickly issues escalate without prioritised training.
The NDIS is tightening up, with new laws introduced in November 2025 set to raise penalties for serious misconduct to as much as $16.5 million. The emphasis is on prevention through stronger oversight and readiness. Quality training is therefore vital…not a tick-box exercise, but a foundation for trust, compliance, and truly impactful care.
From my time in the sector, I’ve found no one that offers the quality and breadth of courses that the NGO Training Centre offers. They provide practical, current NDIS courses that help providers meet these standards effectively. They cover everything from incident reporting to medication management and person-centred support, helping build a genuine safety culture without overwhelming staff.
If you’re in aged care too, our new courses aligned with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are worth noting. They focus on governance, consumer dignity, clinical care, infection control, and personalised planning. These are straightforward ways to stay compliant and deliver better outcomes.
What do you think about these cases? Have you faced similar training challenges? I’d value your thoughts on our LinkedIn or Facebook posts about this issue.
Let’s support each other in this important work.
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Author: Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,
As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills.
