The NDIS recently announced a $45 million funding boost to help improve the quality of supports delivered to participants across Australia. It’s part of a broader plan to make the scheme more sustainable, transparent, and genuinely participant-focused.
But what does that actually look like in practice?
Let’s break it down.
What’s This All About?
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is rolling out three pilot programs to better understand the real costs and outcomes of delivering support in:
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Supported Independent Living (SIL)
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Therapy services
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Support Coordination
The aim? To figure out what quality really looks like on the ground… not just in paperwork… and make sure providers are funded in a way that actually reflects the work being done.
Who’s Involved?
Some of the big names in the sector are jumping in first. Organisations like Aruma, Northcott, Yooralla & Multicap.
They’ll be working closely with the NDIA to share real data about what it takes to deliver quality outcomes… staffing, training, time spent with participants, all of it.
The therapy services pilot will begin a bit later this year and select participants through a similar process.
What About Smaller Providers Like Us?
Right now, the pilots are focused on large organisations… but the insights will ripple across the whole sector.
For providers like us here at Pink Ribbon Community Supports Australia, this could be a positive shift.
We’re always looking at how to keep our supports truly person-centred… and this pilot could lead to:
✅ More sustainable pricing for delivering quality, personalised support
✅ Better recognition of what quality care actually involves
✅ Clearer guidelines that reflect real-world service delivery
It means we can keep doing what we do best… offering support that fits into people’s lives… while having a funding system that backs it properly.
Why It Matters for Participants and Families
This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet.
If you’re an NDIS participant, these changes are aimed at making sure you’re surrounded by providers who are skilled, stable, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing.
For families and carers, it’s about long-term sustainability. The Government is investing now to avoid provider burnout later… and that means more consistency, reliability and choice for the people you love.
As Minister Jenny McAllister put it:
“The right support makes a real and lasting difference to the lives of NDIS participants and their families.”
We couldn’t agree more.
What’s Next?
The NDIA will release a three-year plan later in 2025 outlining its pricing reform roadmap. The results of these pilots will help shape that… and in turn, shape how support is delivered in communities just like ours.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how things unfold, especially for the Sunshine Coast and Gympie.
If you’ve got questions about your current support, or what changes like this could mean down the track, give us a call. 💬
💗 We’re always happy to chat.
