NDIS changes: what this means and have your say
On the 22nd April 2026, the Government announced major changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
We know this announcement has been unsettling for members and the disability community. There is still a lot we don’t know, and we are concerned about what these changes could mean for you and the people you support.
What we can say is this: your union will never stop advocating for the best possible NDIS — one where members’ work is properly valued and where people with disability can access the quality supports they rely on. The Government needs to hear from NDIS workers like you
Before critical decisions about the future of the NDIS are made, the Government needs to hear from the people doing the work. Tell us what must be protected — and what can’t be lost.
Take the 5-minute survey
Your feedback will directly shape what we take to government.
What we know so far
Some of the key changes announced include:
- Access to the NDIS will shift from a diagnosis-based model to assessments of “functional capacity” and how a participant’s disability impacts their daily life. This change will come in from 2028.
- People with lower support needs will be directed to supports outside the NDIS, such as new “foundational supports” programs. While $10 billion has been allocated, there is very little detail about how these programs will work.
- Changes to community participation funding
- Spending on social and community participation supports will be scaled back to 2023 levels. A new $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund has been announced to provide alternative options for community participation, but there are currently no details about how it will operate.
- Stronger regulation and fraud crackdown
- Mandatory registration will be expanded to include all providers of higher-risk activities (such as personal care and daily living supports) and a new digital payments system will be introduced to fight fraud in the system.
What this means
These are significant reforms. Around 160,000 fewer people are expected to be on the NDIS by 2030.
Changes like reduced community participation funding will have real impacts — especially if alternative supports are not in place in time.
No one should be left without the support they need, whether inside or outside the NDIS.
We are also focused on what this means for members. These changes must not come at the cost of your job security, hours, or workload — especially given existing workforce pressures and the rising cost of living.
What your union is doing
Our members stood alongside people with disability to win the NDIS and we will continue to advocate for a system that puts people at its centre and delivers the supports they need.
We are already taking action:
- We have secured a meeting with the Federal NDIS Minister to raise urgent workforce concerns and push for a fair, sustainable system that protects both participants and workers.
- We are working closely with the disability community, including People with Disability Australia (PWDA), to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear.
- We have major cases before the Fair Work Commission to lift pay and conditions, including a minimum 5% pay increase this July, fixing the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) Award, and securing better fuel relief.
- We are advocating for secure jobs, a sustainable workforce, and continuity of supports so no one is left behind
Have your say
At a time like this, it’s critical that we hear directly from members.
We’ve launched a short survey to understand:
- how these changes will impact participants
- what they mean for your job and workplace
- your questions and concerns for us to raise with Government
Complete the survey here
Your feedback will directly shape what we take to government.
We’re also holding an online member briefing to walk through the changes, answer your questions, and update you on our campaigns for pay increases, improved sleepovers, and better fuel relief.
RSVP for the briefing here:
There is uncertainty, but as an a Services Union member you are not facing it alone. Together, we will keep fighting for quality services, secure jobs, and a system where no one is left behind.
In unity,