‘Come clean’: Advocates demand clarity on NDIS overhaul

Disability advocates are calling on the federal government to provide full transparency around looming changes to how NDIS funding will be assessed, warning the proposed system could be “degrading,” “confusing” and potentially traumatic for participants.

From mid-2026, the NDIA plans to phase in a new approach to planning and funding that would replace professional reports with face-to-face interviews and a digital tool called I-CAN.

The move was announced by NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister in September, who described the changes as a shift toward a process that is fairer, more consistent and easier to navigate.

But many in the disability community are deeply concerned.

From practitioner reports to structured interviews

Under the current system, people applying for or reviewing their NDIS plans often rely on reports from doctors and allied health professionals who know them well. These reports can be long and costly, but they are also highly detailed and tailored to the person.

The new system proposes something different: a one to three-hour interview with a government assessor, potentially conducted in the participant’s home. The I-CAN tool, already used in aged care assessments, will guide the process alongside questionnaires and additional assessments where needed.

The government says this change will simplify access and reduce the burden on professionals. Advocates say it’s not that simple.

‘Degrading,’ ‘traumatising’ and unclear

Jarrod Sandell-Hay, a participant and advocate who lives with cerebral palsy, said the proposal raises serious safety and dignity concerns – particularly for people who may be asked to discuss sensitive topics like toileting or showering with someone they have never met.

“How would you feel if you were a woman with a disability who’s already experienced trauma, and someone you don’t know comes into your home asking personal questions?” he said. “These three hours could decide your next five years of funding. That’s incredibly stressful.”

Stevie Lang Howson, another advocate and NDIS participant, said the idea of being observed in their own home during assessments felt degrading.

“At the moment, my occupational therapist – who knows me – does my assessments in a way that’s sensitive to my needs,” he said. “That trust matters. I don’t want a stranger watching me make a cup of tea to decide what supports I need.”

Advocates say if the government doesn’t clarify whether assessments will involve home visits or confirm that professional reports will be respected, people may begin to disengage from the process entirely.

A shift away from trusted evidence?

Minister McAllister has stated that participants will still be able to submit professional reports under the new system. But she has not confirmed whether assessors will be required to read or give them weight.

This lack of clarity has frustrated advocates, who say it risks sidelining the judgment of treating professionals and placing too much importance on self-reporting. Many point out that the NDIA has a track record of discounting participant self-assessments in legal settings.

“If the agency doesn’t trust self-assessment in court, why would it build a whole tool around it?” Sandell-Hay asked. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Lang Howson agreed. “Some people can’t self-report accurately. Others are afraid they’ll be accused of exaggerating. It’s already hard enough. This just adds more pressure.”

Budget secrecy and algorithm concerns

Another major question is how funding decisions will be made under the new model.

So far, Minister McAllister has not confirmed whether budgets will be determined manually or using automated systems. She also hasn’t explained how much weight will be given to the I-CAN tool compared with other forms of evidence or what type of appeals process will be in place.

Lang Howson said the lack of transparency is unacceptable.

“We need to know how our budgets will be decided. Is it a conversation? A checklist? An algorithm? That answer shapes whether we trust the system or not.”

What now?

The government says it will continue consulting with participants, families and carers. But many in the community say consultation won’t be meaningful unless the full picture is made public.

“This is about dignity, safety and independence,” said Sandell-Hay. “We need a system that treats us as experts in our own lives – not problems to be managed.”

The new Support Needs Assessment tool is expected to begin rollout from July 2026.