Big changes are coming to the NDIS. The government has announced that platform providers, Support Coordinators, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers will soon need to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

If you’ve been operating unregistered, you might soon need to meet new compliance requirements to continue delivering services.

Who will be affected from the new NDIS registration change?

This new rule will apply to three types of NDIS providers:

• Platform providers – These are online platforms that connect participants with support workers.
• Support Coordinators – Providers who help NDIS participants navigate their plans, find services, and coordinate care.
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers – Organisations that deliver 24/7 care and support in shared or individual living arrangements.

For already registered providers in these categories, this change won’t make much of a difference. But for unregistered providers, they will need to comply with stricter requirements, including audits, quality checks, and reporting standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

This could be a big adjustment, especially for smaller businesses or sole traders who have been operating independently without registration. While the full details are still unfolding, one thing is clear—providers who want to continue offering services will need to start preparing now.

Why is this new NDIS registration happening?

The government is making registration a reality to improve service quality, and protect NDIS participants. This change comes directly from the NDIS Provider and Workforce Registration Taskforce, which released its final report in August.

The Taskforce, led by human rights lawyer Natalie Wade, was set up after the NDIS Review recommended tighter regulation of providers. Its report included 11 recommendations and 10 implementation actions, with a clear message—more oversight is needed to ensure participants get safe, high-quality, and consistent care.

According to the government, platform providers, Support Coordinators, and SIL providers needed immediate attention because of their key role in the NDIS.

While this is a big shift, it’s not the end of the conversation. The government has said it will continue working with the disability community to refine the details and decide if more providers should be brought into the registration system in the future.

The new NDIS registration timeline and next steps

While the government hasn’t committed to compulsory registration for all providers yet, they’ve made it clear that Support Coordinators, SIL providers, and platform providers are the priority.

According to the NDIS Commission’s Regulatory Reform Roadmap, the rollout will follow this timeline:

• October 2024 – March 2025: Government consultations on the new rules.
• April – June 2025: Final decisions and transition planning.
• July 2025 onwards: Compulsory registration begins for these providers.

For now, nothing changes immediately, but providers who are currently unregistered should start thinking ahead. While the exact requirements are still being developed, it’s likely they will involve audits, compliance checks, and stricter reporting standards.

The best thing providers can do right now? Stay informed, follow updates from the NDIS Commission, and take part in the consultation process to make sure their concerns are heard.

The new NDIS registration rules

A new four-level registration system to replace the current two-tier model (Verification and Certification). These levels would be based on the level of risk associated with the provider’s services:

1. Advanced Registration: For high-risk services, including behaviour support and SIL providers.
2. General Registration: For medium-risk services like personal care, community access, and therapy.
3. Self-Directed Support Registration: For providers hired directly by participants or their representatives.
4. Basic Registration: For low-risk services, including sole traders and providers with minimal participant contact.

How to prepare for NDIS registration

If you’re a Support Coordinator, SIL provider, or platform provider, you won’t be able to operate unregistered for much longer. The sooner you start preparing, the smoother the transition will be. Here’s what you can do now to get ready.

There are two main pathways to NDIS registration, and which one you follow depends on the services you provide:

Verification (for lower-risk providers)

• Fewer requirements, with only four Practice Standards to meet.
• Audits are desktop-based and happen every three years.
• Applies mainly to providers offering lower-risk services like social supports.

Certification (for higher-risk providers)

• Stricter requirements, with 24+ Practice Standards.
• Audits involve on-site visits, participant interviews, and compliance checks.
• Applies to SIL providers, Support Coordinators, and other high-risk services.

Since SIL providers and Support Coordinators fall under Certification, this means more detailed compliance requirements and frequent audits (every 18 months).

To become registered, you’ll need to demonstrate compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. These cover areas like:

• Risk management
• Incident reporting
• Participant rights and safeguards
• Governance and operational management

What should support coordinators and SIL providers do now?

If you’re a platform provider, Support Coordinator, or SIL provider, now is the time to start preparing for these changes. While the full details are still being developed, here’s what you can do now:

Stay informed: Follow updates from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the NDIS website to track new developments. Government consultations in October will provide more clarity on what’s coming.

Assess your compliance readiness: If you’re currently unregistered, start looking into what it takes to become a registered provider. This includes understanding audit requirements, worker screening, policies, and reporting obligations.

Prepare for potential operational changes: Registration often comes with increased admin work, including quality reporting, audits, and stricter oversight. If you're a small provider still relying on spreadsheets, now is the time to consider moving to a Care Management Software and a Quality Management System (QMS). Automating the administrative processes can save time, improve accuracy, and make compliance stress-free.

Implement a Quality Management System (QMS): One key part of NDIS registration is managing risk, complaints, and incidents effectively. A QMS, like Pnyx’s Healthcare Quality Management System, can help you:

• Track and manage incidents, complaints, and risks in one place.
• Maintain clear documentation to meet compliance requirements.
• Automate reporting and audits, reducing manual admin work.
• Ensure a structured approach to quality and safety, improving service delivery.

If you don’t yet have a Care Management System—which is often required for registration—a QMS is a lower-cost alternative that can help you meet compliance standards and get registered.

Want to see how Pnyx QMS can help your business? Book a demo now!