Overview of the 2025–26 NDIS Commission Priorities
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) has announced its key regulatory priorities for 2025–26, placing participant rights, safety, and service quality at the forefront.
The four main priorities are:
Reduction and elimination of regulated restrictive practices.
Stronger oversight of unregistered NDIS providers and sole traders.
Improved management of high-risk health concerns.
Ensuring skilled and capable workers deliver NDIS supports.
Commissioner Louise Glanville emphasised that these priorities reflect the Commission’s commitment to upholding the human rights of people with disability and ensuring that providers deliver safe, high-quality services.
“We expect providers to uphold the rights of people with disability in all areas, but especially where the risk to participants is high. Where there is serious non-compliance, the NDIS Commission will take firm action.” – Louise Glanville, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner.
1. Reducing Restrictive Practices
Restrictive practices — such as limiting a person’s movement, communication, or access to certain activities — can be traumatic, dangerous, and a breach of human rights.
The NDIS Commission aims to reduce and ultimately eliminate these practices, encouraging providers to adopt positive behaviour support strategies that protect dignity and promote inclusion.
📖 Learn more: NDIS Commission – Regulated Restrictive Practices
2. Strengthening Oversight of Unregistered Providers
More than 90% of the NDIS market is made up of unregistered providers. While they are not required to go through the full registration process, they are still bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct and monitored by the NDIS Commission.
The Commission will:
Increase monitoring of unregistered providers and sole traders.
Take decisive action against serious breaches of the Code of Conduct.
Hold all providers to the same high standards regardless of registration status.
ℹ️ Internal Resource: What is the NDIS Code of Conduct? (Complete Money Management blog link)
3. Managing High-Risk Health Concerns
The Commission has made it clear that preventable deaths and severe health incidents are unacceptable.
Providers are expected to:
Proactively identify potential health risks for participants.
Take early action to prevent serious outcomes.
Train staff in health risk management and emergency response.
🩺 Example: This includes monitoring for pressure sores, ensuring medication is administered correctly, and identifying changes in a participant’s physical or mental health.
4. Ensuring Skilled and Capable Workers
Quality NDIS supports depend on the capability of the workforce.
The Commission is prioritising action to make sure providers:
Train staff adequately for the needs of their participants.
Continuously monitor and assess worker skills.
Provide ongoing supervision and professional development.
“Workers play a key role in delivering quality and safe supports. Providers need to equip their workforce to do a good job.” – Louise Glanville.
Why These Priorities Matter for Participants
These measures aim to ensure that:
Human rights are embedded in every aspect of NDIS supports.
Participants have access to safe, high-quality services.
Providers are accountable for the outcomes they deliver.
For NDIS participants and families, this means a stronger focus on protection, respect, and empowerment.
Next Steps for Providers and Participants
For Providers:
Review your compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Assess current practices to ensure they align with the Commission’s priorities.
Strengthen training programs for your workforce.
For Participants and Families:
Understand your NDIS rights
Report concerns to the NDIS Commission if services are unsafe or not meeting standards.
Stay informed about regulatory changes via the NDIS Commission news page.
At Complete Money Management, we help NDIS participants understand their rights, navigate provider relationships, and get the most from their plans while ensuring compliance with the latest NDIS standards.