The push for disability reform — here’s what you need to know

Australia’s disability system is under review and for good reason. After years of community frustration, service gaps and findings from the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review, it’s apparent that change is needed. The result is the new Disability Reform Action Plan, released in May 2025 by National Disability Services, which outlines key changes the sector wants to see over the next five years.

However, if you’re a person with disability, a family member, carer or support worker, the real question is: what will actually change and when?

What’s the action plan trying to fix?

The plan aims to fix long-standing issues in how disability support is designed, delivered and funded inside and outside the NDIS. While some ideas aren’t new, they’ve been given more urgency and focus because of community feedback and public inquiry findings.

1. Foundational supports for everyone

Right now, people not in the NDIS often fall through the cracks. The plan calls for access to basic services — like therapy, equipment or respite — for all people with disability, not just NDIS participants.

2. Less red tape, more clarity

Many people struggle to understand where to go, who to ask or how to get help. A simpler, more connected system is being proposed so people spend less time navigating bureaucracy.

3. Better quality, safer services

There’s a push for stronger safeguards to prevent abuse and neglect and clearer standards so people know what quality support should look like.

4. Support workers who stay

There’s growing recognition that a tired, underpaid workforce leads to poor outcomes. The plan includes investment in training, better pay and stronger career pathways for support workers.

5. Funding that makes sense

Pricing and funding rules need to change so providers can offer flexible, person-centred support without burning out staff or cutting corners.

What could this mean in practice?

If these changes go ahead and are implemented well, it could lead to:

• more reliable support, especially in rural and remote areas;
• less stress navigating the system, with clearer points of contact;
• higher standards of care, backed by consistent rules and oversight;
• more choice and voice for people with disability, including those outside the NDIS.

In other words, a system that works with people, not against them.

Where to from here?

This plan is only a starting point. While it lays out the direction the sector wants to move in, it’s up to government, providers and communities to turn those goals into reality.

You can expect to see:

• policy changes and funding reform — though timing will vary;
• ongoing consultation with people who have lived experience;
• pressure on providers to meet new standards and shift how they work.

⇨ Read the full Disability Reform Action Plan
Download the PDF from NDS

⇨ Want to contribute or learn more?
Visit the NDS Reform Hub

What would you like to see change? Let the team at Talking Disability know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

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