NDIS Reforms Announced: What We Know, What’s Changing, and How CSBS Will Support You 

by | Apr 23, 2026 | CSBS General News, NDIS Reforms, Uncategorised | 0 comments

Recent announcements from the Australian Government have outlined planned reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), described as the most significant changes since the Scheme began. 

Whenever reform is announced, it’s natural for those who choose us to support them, families and carers to have questions and sometimes concerns about what this means for supports, plans, and the future. 

This article outlines;  

  • what’s been announced so far,  
  • what isn’t changing immediately, and  
  • how CSBS will continue to support people through the next phase of the NDIS. 

Why are changes being made to the NDIS?

The Government has stated that the purpose of these reforms is to secure the NDIS for future generations, while improving quality and safety and reducing fraud and poor practice. 

The Scheme has grown much more quickly than originally planned, and the Government has said it wants to: 

  • strengthen quality and safeguarding 
  • improve consistency and fairness 
  • ensure the NDIS continues to support people with significant and ongoing support needs into the future 

These reforms are being designed and introduced gradually, with many details still to be finalised. 

The most important thing to know: nothing changes overnight

An important message that the Government has repeated is that these reforms will take time. 

There are no sudden changes to: 

  • current participant plans 
  • eligibility right now 
  • supports people are receiving today 

Existing participants will not lose supports without a formal planning or review process, and no one will be reassessed without notice or consultation. 

What has been announced so far

While details are still being worked through, the Government has flagged several high‑level directions: 

  1. A stronger focus on functional support needs

Over time, access to the NDIS is expected to focus more on how much support a person needs in daily life, their functional support needs, rather than a diagnosis alone. 

This change is being designed and will not take effect immediately. 

  1. Greater emphasis on quality,safetyand provider accountability 

The Government has indicated it wants higher standards and clearer oversight, particularly for higher‑risk supports such as personal care, daily living supports and supports delivered in closed settings. 

This is part of a broader focus on safeguarding participants and reducing poor‑quality or unethical practices. 

  1. Slowing cost growth in some support areas

The Government has said it wants to reduce rapid growth in funding for certain areas such as some social and community participation and capacity‑building supports. 

At the same time, it has stated that core daily supports – such as personal care, daily living assistance and Supported Independent Living (SIL) – are protected. 

What this means for people who choose CSBS

CSBS is a registered provider that supports people with complex support needs to live safe, supported and meaningful lives. We work with people who require intensive daily supports, Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living, guided by strong clinical governance and a person‑led approach. 

These are the very areas the Government has repeatedly said the NDIS is designed to protect and prioritise. 

For people supported by CSBS, the reforms are not aimed at removing essential supports. Instead, they place greater emphasis on: 

  • clear links between supports and daily needs 
  • evidence‑based planning 
  • quality and safety in service delivery 

How CSBS is positioned for these changes

CSBS already operates in line with the direction of reform, including: 

  • strong clinical and operational governance 
  • registered and audited services 
  • clear documentation linking supports to goals, safety and wellbeing 
  • experience supporting people with significant and complex needs 

In many ways, the reforms reflect a return to the original intent of the NDIS, supporting people who need ongoing, intensive disability support, which is where CSBS has always focused its work.

How CSBS will support participants and families

 

As details become clearer, CSBS will:

  • keep the people we support, and their families, informed through clear, factual updates
  • support people during planning and review processes in relation to the supports we deliver
  • help prepare evidence and relevant documentation that reflects the supports we are providing, where required
  • continue delivering safe, person‑led supports focused on quality of life

We understand that policy change can feel unsettling. Our role is to support people through change calmly and confidently – helping them feel informed and supported in relation to the services we provide, and not facing change alone.

 

A commitment to clarity and calm

There will be further announcements over time, including legislation, guidance, and implementation detail. CSBS will regularly update our NDIS Reform page HERE and share new information as it becomes available. 

Our commitment is simple: 

  • to stay informed 
  • to communicate clearly 
  • to remain focused on what matters most – the safety, wellbeing and dignity of the people we support 

If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with your CSBS contact person. We’re here to help.

Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

We know there’s a lot of information being shared about recent NDIS announcements, and it’s natural to have questions about what this might mean for you or your family. The questions below respond to the key themes raised in the Government’s announcement, based on what is confirmed at this stage. As more detail becomes available, we’ll continue to update our Reforms Page – HERE with clear, practical information.

Who is the Government trying to support through these reforms?

The Government has stated that the NDIS is intended to support people with permanent and significant disability who require ongoing support in daily life.  The reforms are framed as restoring the Scheme to this original purpose. 

Who is most likely to be affected over time?

Based on what has been announced, changes are most likely to affect: 

  • people with lower support needs 
  • people whose needs may be met through mainstream or alternative supports 
  • parts of the system where funding has grown rapidly without clear links to functional need 

Any changes would occur through formal planning and review processes – not suddenly. 

Who is least likely to be affected?

The Government has repeatedly stated that core daily supports are protected, including: 

  • personal care 
  • daily living supports 
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) 

People with high and complex support needs who require ongoing daily assistance are the group the NDIS is most clearly designed to protect. 

Are children affected by these announcements?

Yes – the Government has announced ongoing work on a separate program called Thriving Kids for children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental needs. 
Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be eligible for the NDIS. 

This program is being rolled out gradually and does not mean immediate changes for families. 

What does moving away from “diagnosis‑based eligibility” mean?

Yes – the Government has announced ongoing work on a separate program called Thriving Kids for children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental needs.
Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be eligible for the NDIS. 

This program is being rolled out gradually and does not mean immediate changes for families. 

Which types of supports are being reviewed most closely?

The Government has specifically referenced slowing cost growth in: 

  • social and community participation 
  • some capacity‑building supports 

At the same time, it has been explicit that essential daily supports remain a priority. 

Why is there such a strong focus on providers and quality?

The reforms include: 

  • expanded mandatory provider registration for higher‑risk supports 
  • stronger oversight and safeguarding 
  • better systems to detect fraud and poor practice 

This is intended to improve participant safety and ensure supports are delivered by capable, accountable providers. 

How does this affect CSBS and the people we support?

 

CSBS supports people with high and complex needs and works with individuals who require consistent, ongoing support. Our services are underpinned by strong governance and quality frameworks, supporting stability and continuity as the NDIS evolves.

 

 

What happens next?

Further detail will be released over time through legislation, guidance and implementation frameworks. 
Nothing changes immediately, and CSBS will: 

  • keep participants and families informed 
  • support people through any planning or review steps 
  • continue delivering safe, person‑led supports 

Sources