The Australian Government is asking people what they think about possible changes to Supported Independent Living, often called SIL.
No decision has been made yet. The government is still listening, gathering feedback and looking at different options.
This is an important chance for people with disability, families, support networks, advocates, support workers and providers to share what matters to them.
The government is looking at whether a different approach, called commissioning, could improve SIL.
Commissioning means the government would take a more active role in making sure the right supports are available for the right people, in the right places. This could include:
Commissioning doesn’t mean the government would provide SIL. It’s about looking at how some SIL supports could be planned, funded and monitored in the future. The government knows commissioning may not be suitable for the whole SIL market, so it wants to understand which parts may benefit from this approach.
SIL supports people who need a high level of support at home. This can include support with personal care, cooking, household tasks, medication and staying safe.
SIL makes up about 26 per cent of total NDIS costs but is used by about five per cent of people with an NDIS plan. Some providers are finding it hard to keep delivering SIL in the current system.
The consultation is looking at how SIL can keep providing safe, high quality and sustainable support for people who need it. It’s also a chance to talk about what is working, what is not working and what may need to change.
The government want to hear about experiences and ideas from:
The consultation is also open to people and organisations who do not currently use or provide SIL.
Any future change must keep people at the centre. It must protect choice, dignity, safety and the quality of support people receive in their homes.
People who use SIL, and the people who know and support them, understand what good support looks like in real life. Their voices need to be part of the decisions that shape what happens next.
You do not need to use formal language or policy words. You can share your lived experience, your questions, your concerns and your ideas.
The consultation asks about what good SIL looks like and how services can be safe, reliable and sustainable. You may want to talk about:
Consultation is open until Sunday 13 September 2026. We encourage everyone in the Melba community who has something to say to take part. Your voice matters, and your experience can help shape supports that are safe, person led and focused on what people need to live their lives, their way.
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