We are providing an update following Parliament’s passage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026, which is a significant step in the Australian Government’s broader NDIS reform agenda.
While some important concerns remain, amendments were made to the legislation following advocacy across the disability sector and parliamentary consideration.
The NDIS reform legislation has now passed
The legislation passed both Houses of Parliament on 19 August 2026 and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026. While Melba remains concerned about aspects of the reforms, advocacy by people with disability, families, providers and peak bodies has helped secure some important amendments.
Plan reassessment rules are changing
From 27 August 2026, participants, plan nominees and child representatives will still be able to request an unscheduled plan reassessment where there is a significant and ongoing change to functional capacity, support needs, or living, education, work or informal support arrangements. The NDIA will have 90 days to decide whether to reassess a plan after receiving a request. Participants can also continue to request plan variations, including for short-term or urgent changes.
Changes will be introduced in stages. Some changes, including updates to plan reassessments and record keeping, begin from 27 August 2026. Other changes, including changes to social and community participation funding, are expected to start phasing in from October 2026. New framework planning is expected to roll out gradually from 1 April 2027, and eligibility changes are not expected before 1 January 2028.
Support will remain person-led. If funding changes occur, there will not be a one-size-fits-all response. Every person’s situation is unique, and we will work alongside people supported, families and advocates to understand the impact and identify the best possible options.
Melba has been preparing for these changes. For many months, our teams have been planning for a range of possible scenarios. This includes reviewing individual support needs, preparing evidence and documentation, and exploring options that help people maintain meaningful community participation and quality of life.
If you receive a letter from the NDIA advising of changes to funding, we encourage you to contact Melba as soon as possible.
We have established a dedicated team, led by Carolyn and Chloe, to support people and families with questions about the reforms, funding changes and possible next steps. The team can help you understand your options, identify what evidence may be required, and connect you with the appropriate supports.
Examples of evidence that may be requested include:
Current allied health assessments and reports, such as Functional Capacity Assessments, Behaviour Support Plans and Continence Assessments.
If you receive notification of a funding change, Melba’s team can work alongside you to understand the requirements, gather the documentation and support you through the process.
Melba has been actively advocating through government channels, disability peak bodies and direct engagement with decision-makers. This includes sharing real-life experiences and case studies to help ensure the impact of these reforms is understood.
We have also established an NDIS Reforms Advisory Committee, made up of people with disability, family members and staff. The committee is helping to ensure lived experience remains at the centre of Melba’s advocacy, planning and decision-making.
The committee has highlighted concerns including:
We want to continue hearing from people with disability, families and advocates. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about the reforms, or would like to contribute to the work of the NDIS Reforms Advisory Committee, we encourage you to get in touch.
You can contact:
These are challenging and uncertain times, and we recognise the impact this is having across our community. While we cannot control the reforms, we can continue to advocate strongly, share information as it becomes available, and work alongside you to navigate the changes.
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