Australian election 2025
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most significant social reforms in Australia’s history. Its core mission is to provide people with disability greater choice and control over the supports they need to live full and independent lives.
With the re-election of the Federal Labor Government in 2025, many in the disability community are asking what this means for the future of the NDIS.
As the Scheme continues to grow — now supporting over 700,000 participants — so too do questions around sustainability, reform, and access.
It’s important to remember that while the NDIS serves a significant number of Australians, it still only supports a portion of the 5.5 million people living with disability nationwide. That’s why the government is now moving ahead with major reforms to ensure the Scheme can remain strong for generations to come.
What’s Changing in the NDIS?
The government has committed to several key reforms aimed at improving fairness, sustainability, and accountability:
Clearer boundaries on what the NDIS should fund: There’s now a stronger focus on ensuring that supports are “reasonable and necessary” and directly related to a participant’s disability.
Cracking down on misuse and fraud: Investment in systems to detect and prevent fraud is being ramped up, with $151 million allocated to improve NDIA processes.
Stronger community support outside the NDIS: A $364.5 million investment is going toward rebuilding the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program and developing foundational supports for people not in the Scheme.
What Does This Mean for You?
NDIS funding remains vital and available — but how plans are built, and what gets funded, will now be more closely scrutinised. Here’s what you need to know:
Have clear, well-documented goals: It’s more important than ever to link your supports directly to your disability with strong evidence.
Expect more consistency across plans: New “Framework Plans” will roll out from September 2025, based on functional assessments rather than just diagnosis or participant requests.
Tighter eligibility criteria: The NDIA is clarifying what is considered a disability-related need, meaning some supports may no longer be approved unless clearly linked to a participant’s diagnosis.
Plan management rules are changing: The NDIA will have more authority to adjust how a plan is managed if they detect misuse of funds.
More provider regulation: Mandatory provider registration will be expanded, increasing safety, oversight, and compliance within the system.
A Focus on a More Sustainable, Supportive System
The 2025–26 Federal Budget reflects a shift toward long-term sustainability and shared responsibility. The government is not only reforming the NDIS but also strengthening the broader disability ecosystem, including workforce development and community-based supports.
We’re Here to Help
At Bright Journey, we know change can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, or a carer, we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for you and how to navigate them with confidence.
We offer NDIS services to the Frankston, Carrum Downs, Seaford, Cranbourne, and Narre Warren areas. Bright Journey is also able to assist clients within the greater Melbourne area, offering individual and caring support to all who need it.
If you or someone you know is in need of NDIS Support, you can refer them to our services with one simple form. We will ensure that your loved one will receive the personal and individual support that they deserve.
“From caring comes courage.”
– lao tzu