The Government recently published draft definitions of how NDIS funding can be used. These could impact participants and providers alike.

Minister Shorten has announced that the Government is seeking consultation to gain feedback on how NDIS participants can spend their funding.

What is the consultation and why does it matter? We’re here to explain.

What the Government has announced

Proposed changes to the NDIS ACT 2013 were announced in March 2024. These changes are intended to reduce the growth of the NDIS scheme. The legislation has been criticised by opposition and crossbench politicians and PWD advocates.

In particular, the lack of clarity provided by the legislation on how participants can use their funding.

“Having a clear definition of what is and is not an NDIS support will give participants greater certainty, strengthen the integrity of the Scheme and protect participants from unscrupulous providers,” said Bill Shorten.

Currently, the Government is offering public consultation to get feedback on the proposed changes.

Why these proposed changes matter

At myAutonomy, we’re pleased to see this level of detail and clarity provided by the department to assist stakeholders in ensuring their use of funds will be less likely to be reviewed by the NDIS.

Ultimately, the proposed changes may help ensure the department’s planning and payment reviews are within clearly communicated funding guidelines that can be relied upon by participants and ensure providers’ services, delivered in good faith, will be paid for using NDIS funds.

Moving forward

As part of this consultation, it’s worth keeping in mind that plan managers play a crucial role in helping participants spend funds in line with the proposed NDIS Act revisions.

At myAutonomy, we want all participants to be able to make the most of their NDIS plans to reach their goals and thrive as individuals. This is possible if there is clarity about how funds can be utilised without fear of recovery action or denial of reimbursement by the NDIS compliance and review team, whose recent actions are currently based on scant data and cannot be challenged or independently reviewed.

These changes may make a difference. For now, we’ll need to wait and see.

We’re a call away

Have a question or query? The friendly myAutonomy team are always here to help.

Contact us today on 1300 60 33 89 or send us an email at [email protected].