On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced a range of proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Minister said these reforms form part of the Federal Government’s plan to realign the Scheme with its original purpose: supporting people with permanent and significant disability.
They come at a time of increased concern about the Scheme’s rising costs and long-term sustainability across governments and the broader community.
The proposed changes include:
- Tighter criteria for unscheduled reassessments and measures to reduce plan cost growth
- A reset of participant budgets for social and community participation, and capacity-building daily activities
- The introduction of standardised, evidence-based assessments to determine access to the NDIS
- Strengthened fraud prevention measures, including:
- Improving the quality and oversight of plan managers and support coordinators
- Expanding categories of mandatory provider registration and enrolling providers in a digital payments system
Sylvanvale strongly supports the original intent of the NDIS as an avenue to empowering people with disability to live the life they choose. As a registered provider, we welcome measures that enhance the quality and safety of supports by introducing mandatory registration across a number of sensitive services.
Similarly, shifting toward a functional assessment–based approach, rather than a sole focus on diagnosis, is a positive step toward ensuring individuals receive the right support, at the right time, and in the right settings.
What these changes mean right now
It is important to note that these changes will not happen overnight. Many of these reforms are still being developed and refined through close consultation with industry representatives. One such organisation is Alliance20, of which Sylvanvale CEO Leanne Fretten is a member.
Organisations like Alliance20 play a vital role in ensuring the voices of people with disability, their families and support networks are heard. Through this advocacy, every decision can be made with people living with disability at its heart.
As an organisation supporting more than 350 adults and children across a range of services, Sylvanvale is committed to ensuring these changes, and what they mean for the people we support, their families and carers, are communicated clearly and regularly.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these reforms will affect you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
You can reach us at:
E: contactus@sylvanvale.com.au
P: 1300 244 577
