Recent and proposed changes for the NDIS: What does it mean for people with mental health support needs?

Abstract

This report presents findings from a national survey of 1,625 people in Australia, examining experiences of and perspectives on recent and proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with a particular focus on psychosocial disability and mental health support needs. Recent reforms have focused on clarifying the scope of NDIS-funded supports, strengthening access criteria and their application, improving transparency in decision-making and plan funding, and expanding regulatory oversight through mandatory provider registration and enhanced compliance powers. Proposed reforms include efforts to reshape the NDIS Early Intervention pathway for psychosocial disability, alongside the development of Foundational Supports outside the NDIS to deliver broader system-level supports.