Australians are being called upon to share their views on proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aiming to make access decisions clearer, fairer, and more consistent across the board.


The public consultation, running from August 31 to October 2, 2026, focuses on reforming how eligibility is evaluated. Under the proposed changes, the NDIS will transition toward a standardized assessment of a person’s functional capacity in daily life, moving away from relying primarily on a medical diagnosis.


Key Areas of Focus


The Department of Health is seeking input from participants, families, carers, disability providers, and health professionals on three core areas:

  • Functional Capacity: How everyday impact and functional capacity are evaluated.
  • Evidence Standards: What types of evidence should be required to support access applications.
  • Process Design: How future access decision-making frameworks should be built to ensure transparency and consistency.


The Technical Advisory Group (TAG)


Feedback gathered during this period will directly inform the Technical Advisory Group for NDIS functional capacity (TAG). Co-convened by Commonwealth Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing Mark Butler MP and ACT Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr MLA, the TAG was established in July 2026 to deliver independent, evidence-based advice to governments.


The reforms respond directly to findings from the NDIS Review, which highlighted that current access rules particularly around the permanence of disability and its daily impact can be unclear and inconsistently applied.


"A strong and sustainable NDIS relies on people having confidence that the scheme is supporting those in our community who need it most," said Minister Mark Butler. "These reforms will secure the NDIS for future generations, ensuring it can continue to provide vital support to those who rely on it for decades to come."


Broader Reform Goals


These changes represent a broader effort to strengthen the sustainability of the NDIS while refocusing the scheme on its core mission: supporting individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. Ministers have emphasized the importance of hearing from diverse backgrounds and communities to ensure the resulting system reflects real-world needs.


Submissions remain open through October 2, 2026, via the Department of Health’s consultation portal at consultations.health.gov.au.