NDIS 2025 – The Year That Shaped Providers
- Anna Latifi
- Nov 11
- 5 min read
As 2025 draws to a close, the NDIS landscape has undergone some of its most significant changes since the scheme began. Between major legislative reform, the introduction of a new children’s model, and the JPS Audit Specialists scandal, providers are being reminded that compliance, adaptability, and transparency are more important than ever.
Here’s a wrap-up of what changed this year and what it means for your business.
Jan-Mar 2025: Legislative & Compliance Reform
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 took full effect this year. Its goal: to make the scheme fairer, more sustainable, and outcome-focused.
Key shifts:
Clearer definitions of funded supports — new lists define what the NDIS will and won’t fund, reducing grey areas.
Tighter eligibility and plan rules — the focus is now on “permanent and significant” disabilities, with shorter, more frequent plan reviews.
Increased accountability for providers — the Commission expects stronger evidence of outcomes, not just service hours.
Audit and monitoring expansion — more frequent checks and stronger enforcement for compliance breaches.
What this means for providers:
Update your policies and service models to align with the new funding definitions. Use your audits as opportunities for improvement rather than a once-off checklist exercise.
Apr-Jun 2025: Funding & Pricing Adjustments
Providers had to review invoicing, claims, and pricing structures; ensure budgets aligned with participant plans.
Therapy supports moved from Core → Capacity Building budgets.
Some allied health services now subject to price caps.
Plan budgets may be released in stages, impacting cashflow and service scheduling.
What this means for providers:
Review all policies, align service models with outcomes, and prepare for audits.
Jun-Aug 2025: Introduction of “Thriving Kids” Program
New foundational supports for children with mild/moderate delays or autism. Providers servicing children had to review caseloads, referral pathways, service agreements, and consider future funding changes.
$2B program launched for children with mild/moderate developmental delays or autism.
Gradual shift of eligible children from NDIS to foundational supports in mainstream settings.
Rollout expected to be complete by mid-2027.
What this means for providers:
Review caseloads, service agreements, and referral networks; plan for funding and service model adjustments.
Oct 2025: JPS Audit Specialists Scandal
Auditor enters voluntary administration; regulatory review. Providers reliant on JPS had to secure new AQAs, ensure audit continuity, and reassess internal compliance readiness.
JPS entered voluntary administration, highlighting risks in auditor independence.
Regulatory oversight of auditing firms strengthened.
What this means for providers:
Verify AQA status, ensure audit readiness, and maintain internal compliance checks.
Attention Providers
The NDIS/NDIA environment is highly complex and constantly evolving, with regulatory, funding, and practice changes occurring frequently. While these shifts affect all providers, they are particularly significant for small to medium-sized providers, who often lack the financial resources, dedicated compliance teams, and technological systems to continually review and implement changes effectively.
Larger providers may have more capacity to absorb adjustments, invest in staff training, and update systems promptly, but smaller providers face a disproportionate burden, needing to balance compliance requirements with day-to-day service delivery, often with limited staff and tight budgets. This reality makes staying audit-ready, financially viable, and participant-focused a continuous challenge for smaller NDIS businesses.
3 Simple Ways Providers Can Plan for NDIS Changes
Use Feedback to Fuel Planning - Start the year strong by collecting insights now from staff and participants. Identify what’s working, what’s challenging, and use this information to shape your 2026 business plan.
Take this valuable data, appreciate it for what it is, and be innovative in ways you can use to enhance safety, quality, and service.
Keep It Simple - Break down your plan into clear priorities. Make a realistic budget, outline key actions, and assign responsibilities. Avoid overcomplicating - focus on what will drive real improvements for participants and your team.
Set SMART Goals and Review Regularly - Turn priorities into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. Review progress at least monthly, adjust for any emerging NDIS changes, and celebrate small wins to stay on track.
Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By combining feedback, simplicity, and regular review, providers can navigate NDIS changes confidently and set themselves up for a successful year ahead.
Turning NDIS Changes into Opportunities:
Tips for Providers
1. Use Feedback as a Strategic Tool
Collect insights from staff, participants, and families on what worked well and what didn’t in 2025.
Turn these insights into actionable strategies for service delivery, staffing, and participant engagement in 2026.
Recording:
Remember! Place into the feedback register!
2. Align Services with Funding Shifts
Review how therapy, allied health, and core supports have moved between budgets or been capped.
Adjust your service models, scheduling, and billing processes to optimise funding and reduce financial risk.
Recording:
Place into strategic planning and financial forecast.
3. Strengthen Compliance and Audit Readiness
Use legislative updates and the JPS audit disruption as a wake-up call.
Update policies, maintain clear records, and implement internal checks to make audits smoother and less stressful.
Recording:
Place into risk planning to avoid this from occurring to you.
4. Focus on Participant Outcomes, Not Just Hours
Redefine success metrics to demonstrate real impact, not just activity or service delivery volume.
Incorporate outcomes into staff performance reviews and participant progress tracking.
Recording:
Review job descriptions, purpose, and staff plans/training.
5. Plan Smarter for 2026
Create a simple, strategic business plan with clear priorities, budgets, and responsibilities.
Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and review monthly.
Use this plan to future-proof your business against policy changes and funding shifts.
Recording:
Insert into business and strategic planning.
6. Turn Change into Innovation
Look for gaps or new opportunities created by funding or program shifts (like the Thriving Kids rollout).
Explore new referral pathways, partnerships, or service models to grow your impact.
Recording:
Insert into business and strategic planning.
2025 Business Shout-Outs: Celebrating Provider Success
LikeKIN
Redefining Care (https://likekin.com.au/)
Location: NSW Sydney
LikeKIN began with two people, Linda and Kristine, who refused to settle for “good enough.” Drawing on personal experience, from caring for family members with complex needs to recognising gaps in the NDIS sector, they set out to create a service that values individuality, builds genuine connections, and supports both participants and staff. Today, LikeKIN delivers tailored, meaningful care, fostering a community where families, participants, and workers feel heard, valued, and supported.
At LikeKIN, care truly feels like family.
Their focus and hearts lie in empowering people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. With the perfect strategy of 1:1 support, patience, and the right team of allied health experts, we make daily tasks easier, fostering the confidence that transforms lives.
Next Move Support Coordination
Empowering Your Next Move (https://www.nextmovesc.com.au/)
Location: Australia Wide (based in South Australia)
Next Move was founded by Bailey Williams to address a gap in the support coordination market, where participants are often treated as numbers rather than people. With experience across frontline roles, participant management, and staff oversight, Bailey understands the difference a dedicated coordinator can make.
Next Move delivers ethical, responsive, and personalised support—no call centers, no delays-helping participants confidently take their next step. Beyond participants, Next Move also aims to support providers with compliance, documentation, and systems, strengthening the NDIS community across South Australia.
Next Move specialises in walking alongside children, young adults and their families, empowering independence and resilience through personalised, proactive and compassionate support.
Recourses: