Disability Safeguards Consultation

Overview

The Australian Government (the government) is committed to improving safeguards for people with disability. The government has committed to developing a Disability Support Quality and Safeguarding Framework (the Framework) and Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy (the Strategy).

The Framework and the Strategy will aim to: 

• set the standard and culture of the systems, services, supports, people and organisations that together meet the needs of people with disability
• empower people with disability to access quality supports and use safeguards
• unify and strengthen safeguards for people with disability

Consultation progress

The Disability Safeguards Consultation is being delivered through a 3-step process. The consultation was previously a 4-step process, but steps 3 and 4 have been combined to better align the consultation to the drafting process.

Step 1 was a round of public consultation. It invited members of the public to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas on quality and safeguarding for people with disability. This step opened in November 2025 and closed at the end of December 2025.

Step 2 was a round of targeted consultation with department-identified stakeholders on the practical elements of the Framework. This step opened in mid-February 2026 and closed in early April 2026.

Steps 3 and 4 have been merged into a single step, Step 3. This step involves interviews with stakeholders from across the disability community to gather feedback on the draft Framework. Interviews will be held between 7 September 2026 and 30 October 2026.

If you are interested in participating in Step 3, see the How to get involved section below.

The Framework is expected to be finalised by the end of 2026, with development of the Strategy starting in 2027.

Consultation 

We need to consult with the disability community to ensure the Framework and the Strategy meet your needs. Your input will inform the Framework and the Strategy. 

We want to know the thoughts of: 

• all people with disability (whether you are an NDIS participant or not), including First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, older people and people from regional, rural and remote locations
• families of people with disability 
• communication partners of people with disability (those who provide alternative or augmented communication)
• representative organisations, advocates and supporters of people with disability 
• the disability support sector, including providers and workers (in Australian Government or state and territory government services that provide disability support)
• people working in relevant mainstream services (education, health, etc.) 
• academics, researchers and specialists in quality and safeguarding, disability and disability service provision. 

This round of consultation is happening alongside other activities to help ensure the voices of the disability community are understood and built into the Framework. The consultation is also supported by:

• the lived experience and expertise of people in the Framework drafting team
• insights gathered through existing stakeholder forums and other consultation activities.

By understanding your perspectives, we can work together to strengthen safeguards, promote inclusion, and help ensure people with disability can access safe and quality supports.

AHA

AHA is facilitating the consultation. AHA’s engagement is based on the following guiding principles: 

• use and build on what we have already been told 
• facilitate conversation and encourage innovation 
• do no harm and make a difference, support people with disability to lead and innovate 
• "no wrong door" – responders can engage at any point, and in ways that work for them.

Accessibility 

Making the consultation accessible to all ensures that everyone can share their thoughts.

Written resources are available in Easy Read format. These resources are linked under relevant subheadings. They are also available individually and as a package in the Easy Read documents section.

Auslan interpreting, phone interpreting and translation services are available at no cost to participants. If you require interpreting, AHA will organise this with you when your interview is scheduled.

Complaints and concerns

If you have a complaint or concern about specific disability supports or services, it will not be actioned through this consultation process.

• For concerns or complaints about a service provider or worker, please contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
• For issues related to disability advocacy services, please contact the Complaints Resolution and Referral Service.

Mailing list

You can subscribe to the NDIS Reforms mailing list to receive updates about this consultation and other NDIS reforms.

Frequently asked questions

There is a list of answers to frequently asked questions available to read.

Privacy

Your personal information is protected by law, including under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). 

The way we will use and protect your personal information is outlined in our Privacy Collection Notice.

Easy Read documents