Mandatory Registration and Quality Assurance
On 24th April 2026, the Health Services Union (HSU) expressed strong support for the latest reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aimed at eliminating unscrupulous providers and improving the funding model.
Lloyd Williams, HSU National Secretary, highlighted that these changes address the system’s previous failures, which allowed certain providers to exploit public funds. He emphasised the need for mandatory registration of organisations in the Daily Activities and Personal Care sectors.
Williams stated, “For years, dodgy providers have been clipping the ticket on workers and making mega dollars, all on the taxpayer’s dime. Until now, the lack of mandatory registration requirements has let them get away with it.”
Participants will benefit from the government’s plan to provide a shortlist of accountable, quality providers for Supported Independent Living, support coordination, and plan management. Williams highlighted that the current system has allowed too many intermediaries to operate with too little accountability.
He explained the importance of the shift to differential pricing. “The one-size-fits-all funding model does not work. It does not account for the complexity of participants’ needs, regional differences, group-based settings or the cost of properly training workers,” Williams said.
Differential Pricing and Accountability
Williams further advocated for the transition of pricing advice responsibility to the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority to enhance transparency and cost alignment. He said, “Responsibility for advising on NDIS pricing should be transitioned to the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority to strengthen transparency, predictability and alignment with the real cost of delivering care.”
Commending the minister for acting on these reforms, Williams reiterated the necessity of independent price setting as recommended by the NDIS Review. The HSU will continue to engage with the government on the design and implementation of these reforms.
A workforce that is properly valued is crucial, according to the union, for delivering high-quality, professional support to participants. Williams stated, “We will keep advocating for a workforce that is properly valued to deliver high-quality, professional support to participants.”
These changes are expected to create a more sustainable scheme, better serving the needs of participants while ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively. The HSU views these measures as crucial steps towards a fairer, more accountable disability support system in Australia.
Last updated: 24 April 2026, 3:04 pm
