NDIS Provider Registration: What’s Changing

If you’re providing services to NDIS participants, provider registration is becoming a more relevant topic, whether you’re already registered or currently unregistered, or reviewing how future reforms may affect your business. 

In the past, providers have had more flexibility, depending on the participants you support and the types of supports you provide. Many unregistered providers have continued to support plan-managed and self-managed participants successfully, while registered providers have generally had broader access, including with NDIA-managed participants. 

Now, with recent government reforms focused on participant safety, fraud prevention, system integrity, and stronger oversight, the provider landscape is gradually changing. These shifts matter not only for providers considering registration, but also for those already operating within existing compliance requirements. 

Why provider registration matters more now 

Registration through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has always been designed to help protect participants by setting standards around quality, safety, and accountability. 

Even before these reforms, registration has already been mandatory for certain supports and services, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Specialist Behaviour Support, Plan Management, and those using regulated restrictive practices. 

At the same time, many providers have remained unregistered for various reason since registration can involve significant time, cost, and administrative work. And as mentioned in our previous blog, being unregistered does not automatically mean a provider delivers poor-quality services. 

However, growing concerns around fraud, non-compliance, and poor-quality supports have led the Australian Government to introduce reforms to strengthen oversight of NDIS providers. The aim is to reduce risks such as exploitation, harm, and misuse of NDIS funding while improving visibility across the provider market. 

What’s changing 

Recent announcements on reforms mean provider registration requirements will gradually expand over time. Here is a summary of what is confirmed, and what is proposed under the Amendment Bill current with the Senate: 

• Confirmed: Registration will become mandatory for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and platform providers from 01 July 2026, with transition arrangements for existing providers still to come 

• Proposed or under consultation: Mandatory registration will gradually expand to providers delivering personal care, daily living supports and supports in closed settings. This may be against risk-based or tiered registration approached and communicated as part of the Scheme Reform planned by 2030. 

• Most other providers are expected to provide a minimum basic level of identifiable information through a new enrolment system, even if full registration is not required. 

Note: If you are a provider delivering Supported Independent Living (SIL) or a Platform Provider and subject to Mandatory Registration from 01 July 2026 the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission should have contacted you regarding your new support group and requirements. If you are delivering a service in these support groups and you’re not sure, please contact the Commission on 1800 035 544 to ensure your billing and provider requirements are up-to-date and correct. 

PROPOSED Pricing for registered and unregistered providers 

Alongside registration reforms, the Government is also consulting on differentiated pricing for unregistered providers in some support categories. This is a proposed part of the Scheme Reform and providers should continue to refer to the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements to ensure they are claiming their supports and services within the guidelines and rules set.  

All NDIS Claims lodged against NDIA-Managed or Plan-Managed funding in a participant’s Plan must follow the rules and guidelines set. The price limits are designed to create consistency and protect participants from being overcharged. However, with the introduction of differentiated pricing, there may be changes to how this established pricing limits applies in certain support categories. 

These developments could affect how providers price their services, compete in the market, and plan their service delivery. For some providers, this may influence how they approach registration as part of their broader business planning. 

What providers can do now 

If you are not yet registered, whether registration is immediately required or not, preparation matters. It may be helpful to review: 

• Governance and compliance systems 

• Your service offerings 

• Policies and procedures 

• Worker screening and workforce capability 

• Risk management practices 

If your business is not currently among the provider types expected to require mandatory registration, our previous blog may also help you decide whether to register or not to register. 

The bigger picture 

The NDIS is moving toward stronger safeguards and greater transparency across the provider market. While these reforms may bring additional responsibilities, they are intended to improve service quality, strengthen participant protections, and support trust in the system. 

For providers, understanding these changes early can help you make informed decisions, plan ahead, and continue delivering quality supports as the sector evolves. 

Read the latest reforms about provider registration on Securing the NDIS for future generations. 

For more information, read the NDIS’ Guide to becoming a provider and How to register as a provider.