National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 729
29 May 2026
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Committee Members
Submission regarding the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future
Generations) Bill 2026
I am the owner of Prudent Plan Management, a registered NDIS plan management provider based in Canberra.
I support the objective of improving integrity, reducing fraud and strengthening confidence in the NDIS. I also do not object in principle to the proposed deed of arrangement with the NDIA. If the purpose of the deed is to ensure that plan managers meet appropriate governance, reporting, verification and compliance standards, then that is a sound policy direction.
My concern is that it is impossible to assess the impact of the proposed panel of plan managers because the terms are not yet clear. This uncertainty is significant. I have spent years building a compliant, participant-focused business which currently employs 26 staff. Without further detail, it is difficult to assess whether the business, those jobs, and the relationships we have built with participants will continue to exist.
Before proper comment can be made, plan managers need to understand the eligibility criteria, governance standards, deed obligations, transition rules, and, how participant continuity of service will be protected.
Reducing the number of plan managers risks reducing participant choice and control. If the panel process favours larger providers, participants may lose access to smaller local providers with whom they have built long-term relationships. The majority of Prudent’s participants are based in Canberra. Many participants value dealing with a local provider, having the option to contact or visit our office, and working with a team that understands the local provider market.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 729
The proposed reform should not unintentionally remove good providers simply because they are smaller. If the objective is to improve integrity, then the assessment process should recognise providers who already have strong compliance practices, sound claiming controls, good participant relationships and a demonstrated commitment to protecting Scheme funds.
I am also concerned that the proposed reforms, alongside the lack of increase in plan management fees since 1 July 2020 (plus removal of the set-up fee in 2025/26), indicate that the role of high-quality plan management in payment integrity, claim verification, record keeping, and compliance is not valued. At Prudent, we investigate approximately 17% of approximately 7000 invoices received per week, and 40% of those, or 8% of all invoices received, lead to the provider being contacted for further information. This pre claim checking includes reviewing invoices for duplicated supports, incorrect hourly rates, and claims for items that are not funded by NDIS or within the intent of the funding. In practical terms, plan managers are not merely processing invoices; good plan managers are helping prevent incorrect, non-compliant or questionable invoices from being claimed. If plan managers are reduced or displaced, there is a real risk that incorrect claims, sharp practice and fraudulent behaviour will increase rather than decrease.
I support reform that strengthens the integrity and sustainability of the NDIS, but I submit that the Bill should not proceed in its current form without further detail and consultation on the proposed panel arrangement. The Government should clearly explain how the panel will operate, how providers will be assessed, and how participant choice, local service relationships and compliant existing providers will be protected. Good, independent plan managers are already part of the Scheme’s integrity framework. Any reform should build on that strength, rather than risk displacing providers who are doing the right thing.
I would be pleased to discuss any aspect of this submission.
Yours sincerely
Jane Hadrill (BA, MPA, FCPA)