The Australian Government has today published the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce's independent advice to Government on a proposed system of regulation for NDIS providers and workers.
The Taskforce has made 11 recommendations and 10 implementation actions covering provider and worker registration, worker screening and how the new model should be implemented.
Recommendations include four new registration categories for providers, the introduction of a worker registration scheme for all workers, expansion of functions of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and changes to the complaints process.
Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, acknowledged the importance and significance of the Taskforce's work in providing independent recommendations for Government to consider as an important input in the Government's existing focus of bolstering the integrity, quality and safety of the NDIS.
"I would like to thank the members of the Taskforce for their important work in preparing its report, which has been guided by the lived experiences of people with disability, their families and carers, as well as NDIS providers, workers, and the broader disability community, through extensive consultations held around the country."
"This advice provides us with a blueprint to consider as we work to improve safety and quality while, crucially, maintaining choice and control for participants," Minister Shorten said.
"Upholding the rights of people with disability is at the centre of both the NDIS Review and Disability Royal Commission's recommendations, and this includes respecting and recognising the choices NDIS participants make about managing their supports."
"I want to thank people with disability, their families, carers, and the broader community for participating in the consultations and sharing their views with the Taskforce," Minister Shorten said.
"The experiences of people with disability were an important part of how the Taskforce made their recommendations, and we will continue to keep people with disability at the centre of how we move forward as we consider this independent advice to Government."
"The vast majority of disability support providers are doing the right thing. But for shonky providers taking advantage of people with disabilities, it's over. We are doing everything we can to end the rip-offs."
"We will now take the time to properly consider these recommendations and determine how we apply them."
The Taskforce was formed in February 2024 to provide advice to the Government on a new graduated risk-proportionate approach to regulating NDIS providers and workers, in response to a recommendation of the NDIS Review.
The Taskforce's advice is available on the Department of Social Services website .
