28/04/2026
You may have already seen the recent NDIS reform announcements.
The reforms announced by Mark Butler signal a needed structural reset to strengthen sustainability and integrity.
We welcome the move toward digital payments, which could simplify how families and providers navigate the system day to day.
Investment in inclusive communities is another important step. When we get inclusion right, we reduce the need for more intensive supports later. Inclusion is always a win.
Strengthening foundational supports is also critical. Families have long experienced gaps in areas like transitions, peer connection, and practical system navigation — these are not extras, they are essential. This is critically important at a time where supports for children over the age of 9 require more.
At the same time, there are areas that need careful consideration.
Functional Assessments: We also see value in shifting toward functional assessments — but only if these tools reflect the complexity of children’s lives and the children who need it most can continue to be supported. Family and sibling needs are important to understand and factor into supports. Further, ensuring tools capture the full spectrum of children's needs is critical. 💜
Plan Reassessments: Childhood is not linear. Needs change — sometimes quickly, sometimes significantly. Plan reassessment processes must recognise this, rather than applying a blanket approach that risks overlooking genuine and justified changes in a child’s development and life circumstances.
Governance: We also believe it is critical that children’s supports, including allied health, are explicitly recognised within mandatory registration as a high-risk category. Safety, quality, and accountability in services for children cannot be assumed — they must be prioritised.
As these reforms evolve, we must ensure that children and families get the support they need. We recognise that change and uncertainty can be unsettling. We are here for any families that need support during this period of change.
