In a significant move to enhance the quality and safety of services provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Australian Government has announced plans to implement a new, more robust registration system for NDIS providers. This development, revealed on 16 September 2024, marks a crucial step towards better supporting NDIS participants through improved regulation of service providers.
Key Points:
- New regulatory model based on independent advice
- Mandatory registration for specific provider types
- Upcoming consultations with the disability community
- Review of NDIS Rules underway
New Regulatory Model
The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce, led by human rights lawyer Natalie Wade, has provided the government with advice on designing and implementing a new regulatory model. The Taskforce, established in February 2024, made 11 recommendations and 10 implementation actions covering provider and worker registration.
Mandatory Registration
As an immediate response to the Taskforce’s recommendations, the government will require mandatory registration for:
- Platform providers
- Support coordinators
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, Bill Shorten MP, stated that this move aims to strengthen safeguards for NDIS participants.
Upcoming Changes and Consultations
- Rule Changes: The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will progress changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018.
- Consultation Process:
- Begins in October 2024
- Will focus on new mandatory registration arrangements
- A transition period will be allowed for providers to adapt to the new requirements
- Further Consultations: The government will engage with the disability community on:
- Design elements of the new regulatory model
- Registration approach and NDIS Practice Standards for SIL providers
- Definition of ‘self-directed supports’ for registration purposes
- Definition of ‘NDIS Provider’ as proposed by the Taskforce
Ongoing Review and Development
- NDIS Rules Review: The NDIS Commission is reviewing the NDIS Rules in consultation with people with disabilities, NDIS providers, and state and territory governments.
- Prioritisation Model: The NDIS Commission is developing a model to assess, prioritise, and take appropriate regulatory action on all matters.
Increasing Demand for Oversight
The need for stronger regulation is highlighted by the significant increase in complaints and reportable incidents:
- 2023-24 financial year:
- Over 29,000 complaints (80% increase from previous year)
- 82,000 reportable incidents (47% increase from previous year)
To address this growing demand, the government allocated $142.6 million in the 2023/24 Budget, allowing the NDIS Commission to add 320 new staff members.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Shorten emphasised the government’s commitment to reform: “I am committed to progressing reform that strengthens risk-proportionate regulation to increase the quality and safety of NDIS supports.”
He also stressed the importance of consultation with the disability community in shaping the new regulatory model, particularly in upholding the rights of participants who self-direct their supports while providing appropriate visibility to the NDIS Commission.
As these changes unfold, NDIS participants, providers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming consultations. The government’s focus on strengthening regulation while maintaining participant rights signals a significant step towards improving the NDIS for all involved.
