HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY!
The “Getting It Right: A New Definition for NDIS Providers” consultation, launched in December 2025 and open until 28 February 2026, is a pivotal moment for the sector. This isn’t just another paperwork exercise; it will reshape who counts as an “NDIS provider” under the NDIS Act and determine which providers must register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission based on risk levels of the supports they deliver.
Why It Matters
The NDIS Review in 2023 highlighted the need for a risk-proportionate regulatory model. The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce, after consulting widely, released advice in August 2024 recommending a narrowed definition focused on businesses or organisations delivering higher-risk disability supports. This shifts away from the broad current definition (which captures almost anyone paid with NDIS funds, including sole traders or family members in some cases).
The new approach enables graduated registration tiers:
- Higher-risk supports (such as SIL, personal care, behaviour support) = full registration and audits.
- Lower-risk = lighter touch or just visibility.
This creates a fairer system that protects participants without overburdening low-risk providers, while giving the Commission better oversight where it counts.
Key Proposals in the Consultation Paper
1. Definition of NDIS Provider
Current Approach: Very broad – includes any person/organisation providing supports funded under a participant’s plan.
Proposed Change: Narrower – focuses on businesses/organisations delivering specific lists of disability-related supports/services (as recommended by Taskforce). Excludes mainstream retailers, family members, or very low-risk arrangements.
Provider Impact: Many current “unregistered” providers stay unregistered if low-risk; others (e.g., SIL, platforms from July 2026) must register. Reduces red tape for low-risk but increases accountability for higher-risk.
2. Registration Triggers
Current Approach: Based on support categories chosen by provider/participant.
Proposed Change: Based on type/risk of supports delivered (Taskforce’s list of services). Mandatory for high-risk from 2026 onwards.
Provider Impact: Providers can assess their services against the proposed list early – plan for registration if you deliver SIL, support coordination, therapy, or specialist behaviour supports.
3. Obligations for Registered Providers
Current Approach: NDIS Practice Standards, Code of Conduct, auditing, worker screening.
Proposed Change: Similar but refined – clearer proportionate obligations (e.g., complaints management, incident reporting, governance). Potential new monitoring via electronic payments.
Provider Impact: Stronger focus on compliance culture. Providers who invest in robust systems now will transition smoothly.
The paper includes 6 guiding questions on these areas, but you can submit on anything relevant, such as written, video, or images via the survey or email [email protected]
At the NGO Training Centre, we have worked with hundreds of NDIS providers undergoing registration, audits, and achieving practice standards, and we believe this change is overwhelmingly positive. A sharper definition stops the “all or nothing” problem in which good, low-risk providers avoid registration to retain flexibility, while gaps remain in higher-risk areas.
For participants, it means better safeguards. For providers, it levels the playing field and reduces unnecessary bureaucracy. The big win? Proportionate regulation that rewards providers who already prioritise quality, governance, and staff training.
If your team delivers any higher-risk supports, start preparing now. You can:
- Review the Taskforce’s support lists
- Gap-assess against the NDIS Practice Standards, and
- Upskill on the Code of Conduct and incident management reporting
Take Action
This consultation closes 28 February 2026, so don’t miss it. Your experience as providers is crucial to getting the definition right.
Have your say here: NDIS provider definition consultation survey (or Easy Read version).
At the NGO Training Centre, we’ve helped hundreds of providers achieve and maintain registration seamlessly, and our courses are fully aligned with the latest NDIS Practice Standards and the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. If you want to get ahead of these changes with practical, audit-ready training, let’s chat.
What are your biggest concerns or hopes for the new definition? Join the conversation using the links below. Let’s keep supporting each other to deliver the best outcomes for participants.
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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.
