Understanding NDIS Reform and Why It Matters
Jan 22
/
Mary Ingerton
If you work in the NDIS space right now whether you’re a Support Coordinator, provider, advocate, participant, or allied health professional you’ve probably noticed one thing…
Reform is everywhere!
It can feel confusing and overwhelming because information about these reforms is spread across multiple websites, each with a different role.
This Blog explains the four key reform websites you need to be aware of and, most importantly, how they link together, creating a connected system of reform.
Why Understanding the Links Matters
• Reform decisions shared on one website often flow into changes on the others, shaping obligations,
processes, and expectations across the sector.
• When the source of reform is unclear, it can lead to misinformation, confusion, and increased anxiety
for participants, families, and providers.
• Knowing where to look saves time, supports accurate and consistent advice, and reduces the spread
of myths and misunderstandings.
The 4 Key NDIS Reform Websites
What is it?
The NDIS Review occurred in October 2022 to December 2023 and was an independent, government-commissioned review. This is where you will find information about “WHY reform is happening” and “WHAT needs to change”.
What it’s for?
Think of this website as the starting point. The NDIS Review set the direction and informs all review, currently happening within the NDIS space.
The Independent Review looked at what was working, what wasn’t, and what needed to change. It produced major recommendations that shape what happens next across the whole NDIS ecosystem.
If you don’t have time to read the
Final Report or
Supporting Analysis, reviewing the
Fact Sheets is a practical way to gain a clear snapshot of the recommendations that are informing current reforms across the disability sector.
2. DSS Engage (Department of Social Services Consultation Hub)
What is it?
This is the Australian Government’s consultation platform for disability focused social policy, including NDIS reforms – a dedicated page that details government policy and rule design.
What it’s for?
This is where a broad range of consultation opportunities are published, to provide an avenue for people to share their views and help shape government policy. Many DSS consultations are a direct response to recommendations from the independent NDIS Review and focus on translating those recommendations into policy and rules.
What is it?
This is the reform hub for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, the independent regulator responsible for quality and safety within the NDIS.
What it’s for?
This is where you can find updates on the Commission’s reform priorities, including the changes it is developing and implementing over time to strengthen regulation, safeguards, and compliance across the disability sector.
What is it?
This is the engagement platform for the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency), around reforms within the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).
What it’s for?
This site focuses on operational reform within the NDIS (how the NDIS operates day-to-day). It outlines how the reforms affect participant experience and how NDIS processes will be implemented. A dedicated page within the NDIS website, that identifies consultation opportunities and feedback being reviewed.
How These Websites Link Together
When you identify links between the four websites - it helps to understand the impending reform pathway for the disability sector
NDIS Review → DSS Engage → NDIS Commission → NDIA Engage
Website
NDIS Review
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Department of Social Services (DSS Engage)
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NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission Reform Hub
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NDIS Engagement Hub
Role
Independent review that sets the reform blueprint. The starting point for major NDIS changes
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Government consultation hub. Turns reform ideas into draft rules and seeks feedback.
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Regulation and safeguards implementation. Strengthens quality, safety and oversight.
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Participant/community feedback portal. Captures lived experience to shape practice, implementation and overall reform.
If you want to know…
The big picture - what needs to change and why
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What rules are changing - what they’re proposing and where you can provide feedback
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What providers/workers will be expected to do - how quality and safety rules will be strengthened
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What NDIA systems and processes are changing - what the NDIS is changing and service improvements
What This Means for the Disability Sector Workforce
Understanding how these four websites influence each other, is essential for anyone working in the disability sector. Reform decisions made in one part of the system flow through to others, shaping policy, regulation, and day-to-day practice.
What to do to stay informed!
DSS Engage is where proposed changes to NDIS rules, policies, and frameworks are published for consultation. Monitoring this site helps the workforce stay informed about:
• upcoming changes before they are finalised
• opportunities to provide feedback and influence reform
• shifts in government expectations that may affect service delivery
Being aware of consultations early allows organisations and workers to prepare, adapt practice, and support participants through change.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Reform Hub explain how reforms are being implemented from a regulatory perspective. This is particularly important for providers and workers who need to understand:
• changes to registration requirements
• updates to practice standards and codes of conduct
• new or strengthened quality and safety expectations
Staying informed through the Reform Hub supports compliance, reduces risk, and helps maintain safe, high-quality supports for participants.
NDIS Engagement Hub focuses on how reforms are applied in practice across the NDIS. This includes changes to systems, processes, and participant pathways. Following this site helps the workforce understand:
• how reforms affect planning, reviews, and service access
• what participants are being asked about or consulted on
• how participant feedback is shaping service improvements
This insight supports clearer communication with participants and helps workers adjust practice in ways that align with current NDIA processes.
Help Is at Hand
Keeping up with NDIS reform takes time, clarity, and confidence. If you need support understanding how reforms affect your role or how to translate change into ethical, participant-centred practice, contact us. Our team of experienced professionals can guide you with resources, coaching, and practical strategies tailored for those working in the disability sector.
