New NDIS Act: Timeline of changes

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most significant social reforms in Australia’s history. It exists to support people with disability, giving them choice and control over the services they receive. 

To keep the scheme strong, fair, and responsive to people’s needs, the NDIS Act is going through major updates. These changes are designed to improve how the scheme works, make it safer for participants, and hold service providers more accountable.

For anyone involved in the sector—whether you're an NDIS internal auditor, an NDIS consultant, a provider planning NDIS business registration, or someone wondering how to apply for NDIS approval—it’s critical to understand what’s changing. 

These reforms will shape everything from registration processes to compliance checks, and they’ll impact day-to-day operations across the board.

Why the NDIS Act Is Being Updated

Since the NDIS began, it has helped hundreds of thousands of Australians access the support they need. But like any large system, it needs regular review to stay effective. 

Over time, issues such as provider misconduct, participant safety concerns, and gaps in the registration process have highlighted the need for legislative updates.

In 2023, the Australian Government began a broad review of the NDIS legislation. The goal was simple: to make sure that participants are safe and supported, and that providers meet high standards. 

By 2024, those consultations led to clear recommendations and a roadmap for change.

These changes are now being rolled out in stages throughout 2025 and beyond. Let’s look at what this timeline of reform means for providers, auditors, consultants, and participants.

Timeline of Key Changes to the NDIS Act

2023: Starting the Conversation

The first stage of reform began in 2023 with public consultations. Government agencies worked closely with stakeholders—including participants, families, service providers, advocacy groups, and NDIS consultants—to gather feedback on what was working and what needed to improve.

Key focus areas included:

• Improving registration and compliance for providers.
• Ensuring better protections for participants.
• Reviewing the audit and screening requirements for workers.

2024: Formalising the Changes

In 2024, the Government formally responded to these consultations and began introducing changes to the legislation. The new reforms were aimed at improving provider accountability, streamlining audits, and ensuring that internal systems were aligned with participant safety.

Some of the biggest updates included:

• Stronger requirements for NDIS internal auditors and approved quality auditors.
• Mandatory NDIS auditor training to ensure consistent quality checks.
• A clearer process for how to apply for NDIS registration.
• More robust systems for conducting gap analysis and addressing risks.

2025: Implementation Phase

This year, 2025, is all about putting these changes into practice. Providers must now comply with updated requirements, and failure to do so could result in penalties, deregistration, or even legal action.

Key updates being implemented include:

• New internal audit obligations for all registered providers.
• Tougher rules on worker screening and background checks.
• Revised audit timelines and expectations.
• Greater emphasis on clear service agreements and participant rights.

Learn more about NDIS worker screening requirements.

What the New NDIS Act Means for Providers

For NDIS providers, this legislative overhaul is a big deal. You can no longer rely on outdated processes or informal systems. Everything must be up to code, from internal documentation to participant records and workforce checks.

If you’re running an NDIS business, you need to:

• Understand and comply with the new rules.
• Keep your registration up to date.
• Ensure your staff are trained, especially in internal auditing.

This is where having an NDIS internal auditor is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s a must. Internal auditors help providers keep track of their compliance efforts, monitor risks, and report gaps before they become bigger problems.

To support this, NDIS auditor training is now widely available to help providers meet the new expectations. This training is essential if you're preparing your team for audits or looking to develop your own compliance strategy.

The Importance of Gap Analysis in the New Compliance Landscape

A gap analysis is the process of identifying where your current systems or processes fall short of what’s required. Under the new NDIS Act, this step is more important than ever.

Providers are expected to:

• Regularly review their compliance policies.
  
• Check that all services meet the NDIS Practice Standards.
  
• Take action on identified weaknesses immediately.
  

Gap analysis isn’t just a one-off activity anymore. It should be part of your ongoing internal audit strategy. If you’re unsure how to do it properly, working with an experienced NDIS consultant can help make the process smoother and more effective.

Changes to NDIS Business Registration

Starting or renewing your registration under the new Act is not as simple as before. There are new documents required, new timelines for renewal, and more scrutiny during audits.

If you're wondering how to apply for NDIS registration, you’ll need to:

1. Understand the new eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare updated policies and procedures.
3. Show evidence of meeting new audit and screening requirements.

You can access professional support through NDIS registration consultants, who help ensure your application meets all legal requirements and aligns with the latest regulations.

For those renewing their registration, it’s important to review the latest NDIS policy and procedures templates to avoid delays or rejection.

NDIS Pricing and Funding Updates

Another area being reformed is the way supports are priced and funded. The NDIS Price Guide is a central document that sets out the maximum rates providers can charge. With the new Act, changes to funding models may affect how participants manage their budgets and how providers bill for services.

This means:

• Participants need clearer information about costs.
• Providers must stay within the allowed rates.
• Billing errors must be reduced through better compliance systems.

Read more about the importance of accurate NDIS payments.

Business Coaching and Training for NDIS Providers

These changes may feel overwhelming, especially for small providers or those new to the system. That’s why it’s worth investing in NDIS business coaching to help you adjust.

Good coaching can:

• Help you interpret the new Act in plain English.
• Train your staff in updated compliance strategies.
• Assist with internal auditing and documentation updates.
• Guide you through preparing for audits.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been in the industry for years, professional support can save time, reduce risk, and keep you compliant.

Government Support and NDIS Consultation Services

The government has provided a range of tools and support to help businesses stay compliant. This includes access to:

• NDIS Consultation Services from private organisations.
• Government resources on NDIS eligibility.
• Online training on internal auditing and NDIS practice standards.

These resources are essential for anyone looking to grow or maintain their NDIS business in line with the latest laws.

Bottomline: How to Stay Ahead of NDIS Reforms

Change is never easy, but these updates to the NDIS Act are a step in the right direction. They focus on improving the quality of support for people with disability, while also protecting providers who are doing the right thing.

To stay on top of these changes:

• Make sure your business is audit-ready at all times.
• Train or hire qualified NDIS internal auditors.
• Complete regular gap analysis across your service areas.
• Seek support from an experienced NDIS consultant if needed.
• Use reliable templates, training, and NDIS registration resources to remain compliant.

If you need help navigating these changes, don’t wait until audit time. Contact Posity Online today for personalised support, guidance, and access to expert advice.