The NDIS regulator has put more than 285,000 unregistered providers on notice as the government progresses work on a broader disability safeguarding framework.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has written to more than 285,000 unregistered NDIS providers to remind them of their obligations under the Code of Conduct.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has written to businesses and sole traders identified through NDIS plan payments while operating outside the formal registration system, reminding them they remain bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct.
While the NDIS Act allowed some providers to operate without registration, Commissioner Louise Glanville said that did not exempt them from their obligations.
“If you or your business claim funds from an NDIS plan to deliver supports or services, the NDIS Code of Conduct applies to you – whether or not you choose to register with the commission,” said NDIS commissioner Louise Glanville.
“The code sets minimum standards for behaviour when delivering NDIS supports, including acting with integrity, respecting the rights of people with disability, and providing services safely and competently.
“The NDIS Commission regulates both registered and unregistered providers and we will take action against providers that breach the code.”
Associate commissioner Natalie Wade said keeping an eye on unregistered providers was a priority for the NDIS Commission.
“People with disability have the right to safe, respectful and high-quality supports,” said Ms Wade.
“The code of conduct exists to protect those rights and set clear expectations for anyone delivering NDIS supports and services.
“Any participant concerned that their provider may be breaching the code is encouraged to make a complaint to their provider and to the NDIS Commission.”
The letter to unregistered providers also referred to the guidance and education materials available for free on the NDIS Commission website at www.ndiscommission.gov.au/code.
Government continues to consult on NDIS changes
The warning came as the federal government began the next stage of consultation on its Disability Support Quality and Safeguarding Framework.
Public consultation was held between November and December 2025, followed by targeted consultation with department-selected stakeholders between February and early April 2026.
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What were previously planned as steps three and four were now combined into a single third stage, involving interviews with stakeholders across the disability community to gather feedback on the draft framework. Interviews were to be held from 7 September 2026 until 30 October 2026.
“These interviews will provide an opportunity to review and test partial drafts of the new Framework and share feedback on its development.
“Your insights will help ensure the final Framework is clear, meaningful and practical, and reflective of the experiences and priorities of people with disability,” the consultation website said.
The framework was expected to be finalised by the end of 2026 with development of a separate Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy expected to begin in 2027.
To be involved in the consultation, visit the how to get involved section.
Today also marked the beginning of a consultation into the new commissioned National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Support Coordination and Connection (SCC) service which is expected to begin from 1 July 2028[MA1] .
“This service will replace the way NDIS participants currently receive support coordination services. The SCC service reform seeks to improve quality and service consistency, encourage innovation, and be more responsive to participant needs,” the government wrote.
Submissions for this consultation are open from 7 September 2026 to 2 October 2026.