The NDIS is navigating an important period of transition. Dietitians Australia recently welcomed an 8-week extension on the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. This timeline provides an opportunity for advocates and health professionals to work closely with the government to discuss proposed changes and ensure people with disability maintain access to essential nutrition support.

Dietitians Australia, alongside Allied Health Professions Australia, is sharing feedback on the bill before it passes. Their focus is on ensuring the framework supports everyone who relies on these vital services.

Why Dietitians Matter inside the NDIS

For thousands of NDIS participants, seeing a dietitian is focused entirely on safety, independence, and overall health.

As Dietitians Australia President Dr. Fiona Willer points out, dietitians help with the most fundamental parts of daily life: eating and drinking safely. Many individuals living with disability have complex, lifelong needs around swallowing, hydration, and tube feeding. Consistent access to medical nutrition care is essential to protecting their baseline health and well-being.

Upcoming Budget and Pricing Updates

To support the long-term design and sustainability of the scheme, several cost-management measures are scheduled to rollout over the coming months:

  • July 1, 2026: A $10 per hour fee reduction for Accredited Practising Dietitians.
  • October 2026: A 10% reduction to capacity-building therapy budgets.
  • October 2026: New maximum-intensity caps on dietitian therapy supports, establishing limits on service intensity.

Dr. Willer highlights that discussing the direct human impact of these changes is a critical step before they are fully finalized, ensuring complex, evidence-based care is accurately accounted for.

Navigating the Practical Impact

The NDIS Annual Pricing Review report showed that participants deeply value their dietitians and want to keep working with them. Because many dietitians operate as small businesses, adjusting to lower fee structures presents a practical challenge.

Currently, providers across the country are working through how to manage these changes. Some are adjusting their NDIS caseloads, evaluating travel distances, and looking at how to keep their services viable. This balance is particularly important for regional, rural, and remote communities, where healthcare resources are already limited. Keeping services sustainable ensures that participants continue to experience true choice and control in their care.

Working Together on Next Steps

The 8-week extension is a positive window for open, constructive conversation. Dietitians Australia will be using this time to participate in transparent consultation with the government. The ultimate goal is to balance the sustainability of the NDIS while protecting the foundational health and nutrition supports that participants rely on every day.