Media Statement

Yesterday, Minister Mark Butler delivered an address to the National Press Club of Australia outlining proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Minister indicated that further detail on these reforms will be introduced in the Government’s 2026–2027 Federal Budget.

Some of these changes have already commenced, with all measures expected to be implemented by January 2028.

Key Proposed Changes

The address outlined several areas of reform, including an intention to reduce the number of NDIS participants from approximately 760,000 to 600,000 by 2030.

Access to the NDIS

A shift for eligibility is to be assessed based on functional capacity rather than diagnosis. An ‘objective assessment tool’ is to be introduced from January 2028 for new participants. Reassessments based on functional capacity are also proposed for current participants. Children under the age of 9 are expected to access, or transition to, the Thriving Kids program from October 2026.

Provider Registration

The Government has announced a significant expansion of mandatory provider registration, representing a substantial shift from the current largely unregistered market. Building on the requirement for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and platform providers to be registered from July 2026, mandatory registration for providers delivering higher risk supports is proposed to commence from July 2027, with full implementation by the end of 2030.

Digital Payment Portal

A digital payment portal is proposed to improve transparency in invoicing and reduce fraud.

Intermediary Supports

The Government has announced a shift to commissioning intermediary supports, including support coordination and plan management, through a panel of approved providers. Participants will continue to have choice of provider, supported through a government approved list. The reforms include proposed efficiency measures for intermediary supports, including plan management and invoicing‑related functions, alongside the introduction of a redesigned support coordination and connection model.

Social and Community Participation Funding

A reduction in funding for social and community participation supports was outlined, including both adjustments within individual plans and reduced future allocations across the scheme.

Inclusive Communities Fund

A $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund is proposed to support community organisations to increase opportunities for social and community participation.

More information on the proposed changes can be found at:

• Hon Mark Butler MP Media Release  https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/securing-the-future-of-the-ndis-for-future-generations?language=en
• NDIS: Securing the NDIS for future generations https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations?language=en
• NDIS: Securing the NDIS for future generations Easy Read https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-04/securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-easy-read.pdf

Autism SA Statement

Autism SA acknowledges that this announcement has caused significant concern and uncertainty across the Autistic and autism community.

The NDIS is immensely important for everyone who needs it and reform to ensure its sustainability is welcomed by Autism SA. However, as the peak body for autism in South Australia, we are deeply concerned that reforms of this nature have historically failed to reflect or respond to the specific needs of the Autistic and autism community. Too often, changes have overlooked and at times undermined the supports required for autistic people to live meaningful, inclusive lives.

While we recognise that change is forthcoming and needed, we will not passively accept reform that risks further disadvantaging autistic people.

Autism SA will actively advocate to both State and Federal Governments and engage directly with key stakeholders responsible for shaping these reforms and the support structures intended for those who will not access the NDIS. We are committed to ensuring that the voices, experiences, and needs of the Autistic and autism community are not only heard, but genuinely embedded in the design, implementation, and evaluation of all changes.

Over the coming weeks, we will be engaging closely with the community to listen, gather insight, and ensure our advocacy is grounded in lived experience. This will directly inform our approach as we work to challenge, shape, and strengthen these reforms to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and responsive to real community need.

Autism SA will continue to closely monitor developments and keep the community informed, while strongly advocating for outcomes that uphold the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of Autistic people.