Future Directions of the NDIS: Insights from Minister Jenny McAllister’s Deep Dive Interview
Introduction
In a comprehensive interview on the Reasonable & Necessary podcast, Minister Jenny McAllister shared crucial updates and her vision for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Participants, families, and providers will gain valuable insights into upcoming changes aimed at making the NDIS more effective, sustainable, and centered on choice and control.
Support Needs Assessment Tool Launching in 2026
Starting July 2026, a new Support Needs Assessment tool will be rolled out, developed with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies. This tool will enable structured, personalized conversations around participants’ goals and support requirements, helping build tailored plans and budgets. The phased introduction allows ongoing community feedback to refine the process for the best participant outcomes.
Thriving Kids Initiative and Foundational Supports
The government is introducing Thriving Kids, a program designed to provide better foundational supports outside the NDIS for children with disabilities. This initiative addresses service gaps and offers families easier access to timely, appropriate support, aiming to prevent children from falling through systemic cracks while promoting improved social and educational outcomes.
Managing NDIS Growth for Long-Term Sustainability
The NDIS is currently growing at around 12% annually, but the goal is to reduce this to 5-6% to ensure the scheme’s sustainability. Through collaboration with states and territories and by boosting supports available outside the NDIS, the government seeks to maintain high-quality services without compromising financial longevity.
Moving Beyond Group Homes to Individual Living
Minister McAllister highlighted the story of Ben, a participant who moved from a group home to an individual living setting with community support. This case exemplifies the commitment to supporting more independent living options, giving participants greater autonomy, choice, and control—true to the original promise of the NDIS.
Pricing Reforms Focused on Fairness and Quality
Ongoing pricing reviews aim to ensure participants do not pay more than the general public for comparable services. The NDIS is exploring differentiated pricing models that reward providers delivering high-quality outcomes, alongside enhancing transparency of cost structures among support providers.
New Self-Directed Support Registration Category
Following recommendations from the Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce, a self-directed support registration category will be introduced. This new category supports participants who prefer to choose their own helpers while ensuring safety and integrity within the scheme, advancing greater participant control.
Reducing Young People in Residential Aged Care
Significant progress has been made in reducing the number of young people under 45 living in residential aged care. Legislative changes and improved policies aim to further minimize inappropriate admissions, ensuring younger individuals have access to suitable, community-based living arrangements.
Minister McAllister’s Commitment to Co-Design and Inclusion
Throughout the interview, Minister McAllister reaffirmed her dedication to the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us,” emphasizing the importance of meaningful engagement with the disability community, peer support, and co-designed policy development. Her approach promises a more responsive and inclusive NDIS.
Conclusion
Minister Jenny McAllister’s interview outlined a clear path forward for the NDIS emphasizing personal choice, sustainable growth, improved service quality, and stronger community partnership. These changes set the stage for a more efficient, participant-focused scheme that supports Australians with disability to live fulfilling, independent lives.
Here is the link to the full interview on Youtube
