All NDIS Providers – Keep up to Date with Sector Requirements: Feedback Required on the New Draft List of NDIS Supports

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  • NDIS Providers
  • Provider Alert

What’s Happened?

In March 2024, the Australian Government introduced changes to the NDIS Act 2013 into Parliament. This was an overall approach to improving the NDIS through the NDIS Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024 (the Bill).

If the proposed changes become law, new definitions of NDIS supports will take effect. The aim of the new definitions is to provide greater understanding of what NDIS funding can be used for, and enable more flexible planning, for participants and providers.

A draft list of NDIS supports has been developed, and once finalised, will form part of a transitional legislative rule about NDIS supports, that will be in place until the Commonwealth, States and Territories formally agree on a new rule to replace it.

Why is this Important?

The draft list of NDIS supports that has been developed is currently open to the disability community and sector for consultation. Once public consultation is complete, the list will be finalised, and will become law once the Bill is passed by Parliament.

There are 36 categories of NDIS supports in the list, and the following five include details about what are not considered NDIS supports:

  • Accommodation/Tenancy Assistance – does not include rental costs, bond costs, mortgage repayments, etc.
  • Assistance to Access and Maintain Employment or Higher Education – does not include:
    • learning and support needs that primarily relate to education and training
    • work-specific support related to recruitment processes, work arrangements or the working environment and
    • employment services and programs
  • Hearing Equipment – does not include general hearing services or supports provided by Hearing Australia
  • Home Modification Design and Construction – does not include design and subsequent changes or modifications to state or territory owned public housing
  • Vehicle Modifications – does not include:
    • purchase of a any kind of vehicle
    • mechanical repairs
    • tools and
    • registration.

In addition, the draft list contains ‘day-to-day living costs’ that are also not NDIS supports. These are broken down to the following sub-categories and can be found on the Department of Social Services’ website:

  • Accommodation and household
  • Finance and payments
  • Food and beverage
  • Lifestyle
  • Clothing
  • Travel
  • Pets

Further, additional lists outline what does not reflect value for money or effective or beneficial use of NDIS funds. These are categorised as:

  • alternative and complementary therapies
  • wellness and coaching
  • energy and healing practices
  • beauty services related

Lastly, across each mainstream support category, the draft list outlines what remains the responsibility of each government system, for instance, health, mental health, education, etc., and what may be considered NDIS Supports in these areas for each participant.

What does this mean for you?

The disability community and sector have an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft list of NDIS supports.

The proposed changes will have a direct impact on participants and providers, therefore prior to submitting feedback, it is important to review the full list to check if the services you provide are proposed to be changed as part of the Bill. This may also involve supporting participants to review the list and provide individual feedback. To view the full list, go to the Draft list of NDIS Support on the DSS Engage website.

Feedback can be provided by:

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