In April, we looked at the incoming mandatory registration requirements for Supported Independent Living providers and platform providers. Since then, the Australian Government has introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 into Parliament.
The Bill is not yet law and may change. However, it gives providers an indication of where the NDIS is heading: closer scrutiny of claims, stronger compliance settings, and greater visibility of providers operating in the market.
The main issue for providers
Much of the public discussion about the Bill has focused on participant eligibility and Scheme sustainability. For providers, the more immediate issue is whether they can demonstrate that the support they claimed for was properly delivered, authorised, and connected to the participant’s plan.
That question is likely to become more important. The Bill proposes to reduce the timeframe for making claims from two years to 90 days. It also proposes requiring providers to keep records relating to NDIS payments for seven years, with civil penalties for failing to do so.
In practice, providers may face compliance risk not only because of poor service delivery, but also because of poor administration. A provider may have delivered a genuine support, but still face difficulty if its service agreement, case notes, invoices, or internal records do not support the claim.
What should providers consider?
Providers should start with their service agreements, records, and billing practices. Service agreements should clearly describe the supports being provided, the basis for charging, cancellation terms, and the responsibilities of each party.
Records should show what was delivered, when it was delivered, who delivered it, and why the support was within the participant’s plan. This information should be recorded at the time the support is delivered.
Visibility and registration
The Bill also sits within the broader move toward greater oversight of NDIS providers. Mandatory registration for SIL and platform providers is already due to begin from 1 July 2026. The Bill also provides for most providers to enrol with the NDIA, giving the Agency a baseline record of providers being paid through the Scheme.
The Government has also indicated that further registration requirements will apply over time, particularly for higher-risk supports and providers working with participants who are more vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Providers who are not currently registered should not assume that their current arrangements will remain unchanged.
Final comment
The Bill is still before Parliament. However, providers do not need to wait for the final legislation before improving their contracts, records, and billing systems.
The direction of reform indicates that NDIS providers should expect greater scrutiny of whether claims can be verified and whether supports were properly authorised and delivered. While service delivery remains the cornerstone of provider compliance, the records supporting it are likely to become increasingly important.
How we can help
Panetta McGrath advises disability support providers, health providers, charities, and not-for-profit organisations on regulatory, commercial, and governance matters. We can assist with reviewing service agreements, contractor arrangements, registration issues, and compliance systems in preparation for NDIS reform.
