National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3334
My name is Ellen Victor and I am an independent NDIS support worker. I currently support one NDIS participant and have built a strong, trusted relationship with both the participant and their family. They have specifically chosen me because I understand their needs, routines and preferences, and I provide consistent, personalised support in their home.
I am concerned about proposals that would require independent support workers to meet the same registration requirements and costs as large NDIS providers. While I support participant safety and quality standards, I do not believe it is fair or reasonable for a sole trader supporting one participant to be subject to the same registration model as organisations employing multiple staff and supporting hundreds of participants.
The cost of registration, audits and ongoing compliance can be significant for independent workers. As a sole trader, these costs would have a direct impact on my ability to continue providing support. I currently charge below the maximum NDIS rate, as many independent workers do. If I were required to become registered under the same system as large providers, I would have to increase my rates to cover those costs.
If registration becomes mandatory, I would face three choices: significantly increase my rates, leave the disability sector altogether, or work under a larger registered provider. If I worked under a provider, they would likely charge the participant the maximum NDIS rate, which is often much higher than what I currently charge. This would increase costs to the NDIS while providing no additional benefit to my participant.
Most importantly, mandatory registration may reduce participant choice and control. My participant and their family have chosen me because of the relationship, trust and consistency we have built together. If independent workers are forced out of the sector due to registration costs, participants may lose access to the workers they know and trust and be left with fewer options.
I believe there should be a lower registration fee or an alternative pathway for independent support workers and sole traders. Independent workers supporting one or a small number of participants should not be expected to pay the same registration and audit costs as large organisations. A more affordable and proportionate system would allow independent workers to continue providing quality supports while maintaining participant safety. This would help preserve participant choice and control, retain experienced workers in the sector, and avoid unnecessary increases in costs to both participants and the NDIS.
Independent workers should be able to demonstrate their suitability through existing safeguards such as NDIS Worker Screening Checks, relevant qualifications, insurance, training and professional development without being required to meet the same compliance obligations as large organisations.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3334
I encourage the committee to consider the impact that mandatory registration may have on participant choice, workforce availability and overall NDIS costs. Any changes should support participant safety while ensuring that people with disability can continue to choose who supports them in their own homes and communities.
Thank you for considering my submission.