Consultation on Mandatory Registration of Platform Providers

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving once again, with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission currently conducting a public consultation on the mandatory registration of platform providers. This important consultation aims to ensure that platform-based service models meet the same quality, safety, and compliance requirements as other NDIS registered providers.

For those working within the NDIS space – whether you're a platform provider, independent support worker, or established NDIS provider – this consultation is more than a policy update. It represents a key turning point in how digital platforms interact with the broader NDIS system, and how participant rights and service quality will be protected moving forward.

In this blog, we break down what the consultation is about, why it matters, and how NDIS providers – especially platform-based businesses – can prepare. We'll also discuss how to approach registration, audits, and compliance in light of these potential changes. 

Whether you're wondering how to apply for NDIS registration, need help from an NDIS consultant, or are preparing for an audit, understanding this process is essential.

Why Is the NDIS Consulting on Platform Providers?

Platform providers have grown rapidly in recent years, creating digital spaces that connect NDIS participants with independent support workers. While this model offers flexibility and innovation, it has also raised concerns about service quality, risk management, and participant safety.

In response, the Commission launched an Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers. This inquiry gathered feedback from participants, workers, and providers, uncovering gaps in regulation, accountability, and consistency.

As a result, the Commission is now consulting on whether mandatory NDIS business registration should apply to these platforms – bringing them under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional NDIS providers.

What Are Platform Providers?

In the context of the NDIS, platform providers are digital businesses that connect support workers with participants. They don’t always deliver services themselves – instead, they facilitate access, arrange bookings, and manage payments. Examples include:

• Online platforms that allow participants to hire support workers directly
  
  
• Marketplaces that match participants with allied health professionals
  
  
• Apps that organise rostering, communication, and service delivery
  
  

Because many of these platforms operate outside the mandatory registration system, participants may not be fully protected by the NDIS Practice Standards. This lack of regulation creates inconsistencies in quality, and it’s why mandatory registration is now being seriously considered.

What Would Mandatory NDIS Registration Mean for Platform Providers?

If platform providers are brought under the mandatory NDIS registration scheme, they will be required to:

• Apply for NDIS registration
  
  
• Comply with the NDIS Practice Standards
  
  
• Undergo audits by NDIS approved quality auditors
  
  
• Be subject to ongoing compliance and monitoring by the NDIS Commission
  
  

This would mark a major shift in how digital service providers operate. To register successfully, they will need to engage in compliance planning, internal audits, and policy development – just like other registered providers.

At Posity Online, we support providers through every step of this process. From understanding how to apply for NDIS registration to preparing for audits and creating compliant documentation, we help providers meet their obligations without the stress.

Key Areas Platform Providers Must Prepare For

1. Understanding the NDIS Business Registration Process

For many platform providers, registering with the NDIS may feel daunting. The application process involves submitting a detailed business profile, completing a self-assessment, and preparing for a certification or verification audit.

Depending on the types of supports being offered, providers may need to:

• Prepare a range of documents aligned with the NDIS Practice Standards
  
  
• Complete worker screening and compliance checks
  
  
• Establish formal policies for incidents, complaints, and service delivery
  
  

Providers can explore our NDIS Policy & Procedure Templates to simplify the documentation process.

To avoid delays and costly errors, we recommend working with an experienced NDIS consultant. At Posity Online, our consultants walk clients through each stage of the registration process, offering personalised support and clarity.

2. Preparing for NDIS Audits

Registered providers must undergo regular audits by NDIS approved quality auditors. These audits assess whether a provider meets the required practice standards and regulations.

At Posity, we offer comprehensive NDIS audit support. Our services help providers identify risks early and conduct a thorough gap analysis, so they're fully prepared for their official audit. We also guide teams through NDIS auditor training to ensure internal staff understand how to maintain compliance standards year-round.

3. Strengthening Service Delivery

Mandatory registration will likely require platform providers to improve their operational systems. This includes ensuring:

• Worker screening and verification processes
  
  
• Incident reporting and feedback management
  
  
• Participant support plans and risk assessments
  
  
• Record-keeping and privacy protections
  
  

A solid service delivery model isn’t just about meeting compliance – it’s about building trust with participants. At Posity, we help providers develop robust systems that prioritise both compliance and quality care.

Why the Change Matters for Participants

The NDIS was built on principles of choice and control, but these rights must be supported by strong protections. Currently, participants using unregistered platforms may not have access to the same complaint processes, worker screening, or quality oversight available through registered providers.

Mandatory registration helps level the playing field, ensuring that all service providers are held to the same high standards – regardless of whether they are bricks-and-mortar providers or tech platforms.

This shift would give participants greater confidence in the safety, quality, and accountability of the services they access, reinforcing the NDIS's purpose.

What It Means for the Broader NDIS Sector

The consultation doesn’t just affect platform providers – it may also impact:

• Independent support workers operating through unregistered platforms
  
  
• Plan managers and intermediaries
  
  
• Traditional providers looking to adopt platform-style service delivery
  
  

As the NDIS grows more complex, providers must remain agile. Engaging in regular gap analysis and working with experienced NDIS consultants can help businesses stay compliant and competitive.

The consultation also reaffirms the need for ongoing education. Staff training, policy development, and understanding NDIS legislation are essential for success in this shifting environment. Whether you're registering for the first time or looking to adapt, you’ll benefit from professional guidance and support.

Survey Closed: But the Work Isn’t Over

The NDIS Commission’s consultation survey officially closed on 7 March 2025, but the conversation continues. Providers are encouraged to review the inquiry findings and prepare for potential changes.

Staying informed will be key as the Commission moves towards a decision. Providers who act early will be better positioned to transition smoothly if registration becomes mandatory.

How Posity Online Supports NDIS Providers

At Posity Online, we work closely with providers of all sizes – including platform-based businesses – to ensure they meet all their compliance obligations. Our services include:

• Step-by-step support on how to apply for NDIS registration
  
  
• Development of compliant policies using customisable templates
  
  
• Assistance with internal audits and regulatory preparation
  
  
• Conducting gap analysis to find and fix compliance issues
  
  
• Ongoing coaching and business consulting
  
  

We also support businesses after registration by assisting with notifications, compliance reviews, and staff training. Our goal is to help NDIS providers focus on what they do best – delivering high-quality support – while we manage the administrative burden.

If you need help understanding NDIS registration costs or compliance planning, our team is here to help.

Bottomline: The Future of Innovation in the NDIS

The rise of platform providers has shown how technology can improve accessibility and flexibility in disability services. But with innovation must come responsibility.

The move toward mandatory registration will help safeguard participant rights while giving legitimate platforms the tools and structure they need to deliver consistent, high-quality services.

Whether you're a new provider or an established player in the NDIS space, now is the time to prepare. Stay informed. Get compliant. And ensure your business is ready for what comes next.