NDIS provider registration – the current state of play

Provider registration and how far it extends has been a talking point of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for some time, and 2026 is the year we’re starting to see changes come into effect.

So, what exactly is changing and when?

Right now, NDIS provider registration isn’t mandatory – with some exceptions. Providers delivering higher risk or more regulated supports – such as Specialist Disability Accommodation, behaviour support, restrictive practices, and plan management – must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

For many other providers, registration is optional – but that’s shifting.

A move toward risk-based registration

Following the 2023 NDIS Review, the Australian Government committed to strengthening oversight of the Scheme, particularly where risks to participants were seen to be higher. In response, a risk-based registration model was developed.

Key dates and what they mean

August 2024: New model proposed

The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce released its final advice, recommending a risk-based approach and greater visibility of all providers.

September 2024: Australian Government draws a line in the sand

The Australian Government confirmed mandatory registration would expand, starting with higher risk supports, including Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, platform providers, and support coordinators. Since then, plans for mandatory registration of support coordinators have been paused.

April 2026: Australian Government provides further clarity

The Australian Government announced its intention to move towards mandatory registration for providers delivering certain supports, such as personal care, daily living supports, and services delivered in closed settings.

At this stage:

• there are no immediate changes
• no timelines have been confirmed
• exact details about which supports will be included haven’t been finalised, and
• further work is needed before anything can take effect

July 2026: Changes take effect

Mandatory registration begins for SIL providers and providers of web-based services that link providers to participants (platform providers).

From this point, providers delivering these supports will need to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Mid-2026 onwards: Ongoing transition

Further consultation, rule-setting, and guidance continues as the new model is implemented.

From 2027 (expected): Broader expansion

Mandatory registration is expected to extend to other higher risk supports. Timing and implementation details are unknown.

Business as usual, with evolving conditions

Registration requirements are expanding, but it’s happening gradually. Right now, the first confirmed change is the move to mandatory registration for SIL and platform providers. Further categories have been flagged but aren’t yet in effect, and key details are still being refined through ongoing consultation.

While regulation requirements may be changing, day-to-day, operations for all NDIS providers remain the same. Providers can continue delivering supports, invoicing as usual, and working with participants under their current arrangements.

Across the sector, the focus is on ensuring any registration changes implemented happen in a way that’s practical and minimises disruption to participants and providers.

The most up-to-date information is available one the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.

The most up-to-date information is available from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.