The future of NDIS Support Coordination is becoming clearer.
The Australian Government has proposed a new commissioning model that would see the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly appoint providers to deliver a new Support Coordination and Connection service from 1 July 2028.
While many details are still being developed, the announcement sends an encouraging message. Support Coordination will continue to play an important role in helping participants navigate the NDIS, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals.
What You Need to Know
✔ Participants would choose from NDIA approved providers, rather than funding Support Coordination within their individual plans.
✔ The proposed model would begin from 1 July 2028.
✔ The reforms aim to strengthen quality, consistency, and participant outcomes.
✔ The changes are still subject to legislation and further consultation, with more detail to come.
What the Proposed NDIS Support Coordination Reforms Mean
Under the proposed model, Support Coordination would no longer be funded as an individual support within participant plans.
Instead, participants would choose from a list of providers commissioned and funded directly by the NDIA. Organisations would apply to deliver the service, with successful providers selected through a merit based process.
The Government has described this as a move towards a smaller, commissioned market. Its aim is to improve quality, encourage innovation, and make services more responsive to participants’ needs.
Importantly, the proposed reforms form part of the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. However, several important details still need to be confirmed before the new model begins. For example, the Government needs to clarify how providers will be selected, how participants can change providers, and how continuity of support will be protected.
Why Higher Standards Benefit Participants
At OnSide, we welcome a stronger focus on quality.
Support Coordination is skilled, professional work. Every day, Support Coordinators help participants understand their plans, build trusted support networks, navigate different service systems, respond to risks, and make informed decisions about their future.
It is much more than connecting services or completing administration.
Effective Support Coordination relies on experienced practitioners, strong relationships, local knowledge, sound governance, and a genuine focus on participant outcomes.
A commissioning model has the potential to establish clearer expectations across the sector. It may also strengthen collaboration between providers and the NDIA, creating better opportunities to understand participant experiences and continuously improve services.
Ultimately, stronger standards can make it easier for participants and referrers to identify providers they can trust.
Choice Should Remain at the Centre
While we support stronger standards, participant choice must remain central to the future of the NDIS.
Competition encourages providers to keep improving. It drives innovation, strengthens accountability, and gives participants greater confidence that they can find a provider who is the right personal and professional fit.
Established organisations with experienced teams, strong governance, and the ability to deliver consistent services across different communities have an important role to play.
At the same time, the future market should continue to create opportunities for smaller, high quality providers. These organisations often bring valuable local knowledge, fresh thinking, and innovative approaches that strengthen the sector.
Ultimately, the strongest market will include both. Instead, organisations should be selected because they demonstrate capability, quality, and positive participant outcomes, not simply because of their size.
Why Support Coordination Matters More Than Ever
The NDIS is entering one of the biggest periods of reform since it began.
Alongside the proposed commissioning model, participants are likely to experience new framework planning, support needs assessments, updated approaches to reasonable and necessary supports, and changes to how some services are delivered.
Periods of change can feel overwhelming.
Participants and families may need support to understand new processes, prepare for assessments, connect with appropriate services, and make confident decisions.
This is where Support Coordination becomes even more valuable.
A knowledgeable Support Coordinator helps turn a plan into practical support. They bring services together, solve problems as they arise, and help ensure the participant remains at the centre of every decision.
As the NDIS continues to evolve, trusted relationships and experienced guidance will remain essential.
What We’ve Learned in 10 Years
For more than 10 years, OnSide has focused exclusively on Support Coordination.
During that time, we’ve supported thousands of participants through changing circumstances, complex systems, and important life decisions. Along the way, we’ve learned that great Support Coordination is built on more than good intentions.
Success depends on skilled practitioners, strong supervision, robust systems, ongoing professional development, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
Together, these foundations position us well for the future. However, we also know there is always more to learn. We remain committed to listening to participants, supporting our team, and continually improving how we work.
Getting the Transition Right
Although the proposed reforms are encouraging, the transition will be just as important as the destination.
Firstly, participants need continuity of support throughout the change process. At the same time, providers need enough time and certainty to prepare for the new commissioning model.
Meanwhile, sustainable pricing arrangements will help experienced Support Coordinators remain in the sector while the future model is finalised.
Meaningful consultation with participants, families, practitioners, and providers will also be critical. The people who use and deliver Support Coordination every day should help shape how the future service works.
Looking Ahead
Although the proposed reforms remain subject to legislation and further service design, the overall direction is becoming clearer.
Several important details still need to be confirmed. Even so, one message stands out. Support Coordination has a strong future within the NDIS, with an increased focus on capability, participant outcomes, and consistently high standards.
While there is still work to do, the direction is encouraging. A stronger focus on quality, capability, and participant outcomes has the potential to strengthen the NDIS for everyone.
At OnSide, we look forward to contributing to that future by continuing to provide independent Support Coordination that helps participants understand their options, exercise genuine choice, and build the life they want.
Together, we will continue working alongside participants, families, Government, and the wider sector to build a Support Coordination system that puts participants first, responds to changing needs, and inspires confidence in the people who rely on it.
The proposed changes remain subject to the legislative process and further service design. Information is current as at July 2026.
Read The Australian Government’s overview of the proposed NDIS changes.