National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 530
Registration of Sole Traders
I am writing this submission in response to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026, particularly the proposed requirement that all providers be registered.
I am the parent of an adult son who relies on NDIS supports and has seen firsthand the importance of maintaining flexible and person-centred service options within the scheme.
I acknowledge the need for the NDIS to remain sustainable and for support measures to address fraud, misuse of funding, and inappropriate practices within the sector. While there have been instances of overcharging and non-compliant providers, I believe these cases represent a small minority and should not result in unintended consequences for the majority of participants and families who are using their funding responsibly.
For many participants, sole traders and small independent providers play a vital role in delivering consistent, flexible, and individualised supports. These providers often build trusted relationships with participants and families and can provide continuity of care that is difficult to achieve within larger organisations.
I support appropriate safeguards and believe all individuals providing NDIS supports should meet minimum registration and compliance requirements. However, consideration should be given to creating an affordable and proportionate registration pathway for sole traders and small independent providers. Requirements such as qualifications, police checks, appropriate insurance, Blue Cards, and NDIS Worker Screening clearances would provide important safeguards while still allowing these providers to remain accessible within the scheme.
If sole traders are no longer able to operate within the NDIS, this is likely to reduce participant choice and control, increase support costs, and place additional pressure on participants and families who rely on flexible and trusted support arrangements. In many cases, larger provider organisations charge significantly higher hourly rates, which may ultimately reduce the amount of support participants can access within their existing funding budgets.
I respectfully encourage the Government to ensure future reforms strengthen quality and safeguarding measures while continuing to protect participant choice, flexibility, and access to affordable supports.
Kind regards,