NDIS rules: Public consultation on new framework planning
Feedback updated 19 Aug 2026
We asked
We are committed to improving the NDIS to make it fairer, more transparent, sustainable and person‑centred.
Between 23 January 2026 and 6 March 2026, we explained how some of the rules related to new framework planning will work and asked for feedback to support its development.
You said
We heard from people with disability, families, carers, advocates, organisations, peak bodies and people from the general public. We appreciate the thoughts and experiences shared.
People agreed that the NDIS plays an important role in many Australians’ lives. They support the changes but wanted clearer and more detailed information, particularly about the support needs assessment and budget method rules, as well as information in more accessible formats. We acknowledge these concerns and are committed to improving future engagement.
More details can be found in our 'What we heard' reports.
We did
We analysed all of the feedback including survey responses and submissions. This information has been incorporated into a 'What we heard' report, which will inform the design of the rules. This report, a summary and accessible versions, can be found on our Consultation Hub. Our website also provides more details on how feedback was actioned.
We have used the feedback from this consultation to inform new framework planning rules. We are also seeking further feedback on new framework planning through a public consultation during August-October 2026. Further details are on our Consultation Hub.
We will keep engaging with the disability community, sector and other stakeholders on new framework planning. Feedback will help make decisions about changes to the new framework planning rules before updated rules are agreed with state and territory governments.
Following consultation with people with disability, their families, carers and advocates, the government has decided to delay the rollout of new framework planning until 1 April 2027. This will allow more time to listen to feedback, test proposed rules and processes, and share more detailed information about transition.
To learn more about our consultations please visit our Consultation Hub.
Any changes to rules over time will be provided on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website.
You can subscribe to the NDIS Reform subscriber list to keep up to date with changes.
Overview
Reports
What we heard - full report
What we heard - summary report
Auslan - summary report
Easy read - summary report
Submissions
You can view the submissions from this consultation in the links below:
(Submissions coming soon)
Consultation overview
This consultation is about the new framework planning rules.
New framework plans are designed to make NDIS planning clearer and more transparent. New framework plans will start from mid-2026 for some participants who are over the age of 16. It will be a phased introduction so many participants will not experience any change for some time. Participants will be told before anything changes for them, and support will be provided by the NDIA.
We are still developing the rules explaining how new framework planning will work in practice. We want to hear from NDIS participants and the disability community to get the rules right.
Video transcript
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is making changes to NDIS planning. This will make sure the process is easier, more consistent and fairer for participants. We are working with state and territory governments and the disability community to plan for how these changes will work.
To put the changes into action, some existing rules will be updated and new NDIS rules will be made. The rules set out how the NDIS Act works in practice.
The new way of planning has four steps in the participant journey.
Step one is preparing for a support needs assessment. This is when the NDIA contacts a participant and gives them information to help them prepare for their support needs assessment.
Step two is the support needs assessment. This is where a participant meets with an NDIA assessor to discuss their daily life support needs and plan preferences. The assessor then submits the support needs assessment report to the NDIA.
Step three is building a plan. This is when the NDIA uses the support needs assessment report to develop a participant's plan and create a total funding amount. Participants receive the report and their NDIS plan with an explanation on how the budget was created.
Step four is using a plan. At this step, participants have the option of an implementation meeting with the NDIA. Participants use the NDIS supports list to choose, purchase and claim for their support with the new plan.
The department wants to hear from NDIS participants and the disability community about these rules to make sure we get them right.
For more information and to share your thoughts on the rules, visit the consultation page.
More information
How I can be involved
Fill out the online survey
The survey has:
- questions where you can select a response
- questions where you can type in a response in your own words.
Upload a submission
You will have the option to:
- upload a submission as a standalone response or
- at the end of the survey.
This can be written in a text box or attached as a file.
Talk to us
You can contact us at: NDISConsultations@health.gov.au
Consultation material
You can email NDISConsultations@health.gov.au if you:
- Require help accessing the survey (including word document version or paper copies)
- Need more information about other ways to engage in this consultation
- Have any other questions or concerns.
If providing your response in Auslan, you can send through a video submission to NDISConsultations@health.gov.au, or upload the video in the 'Upload a submission' portion of the survey.
If you require translation services, you can visit Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National.
Supporting resources
Factsheets
A shorter summary of the content within the discussion paper and explanatory documents.
- Factsheet – Step 1: Preparing for a support needs assessment (Word)
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Factsheet – Step 1: Preparing for a support needs assessment (PDF)
- Factsheet – Step 2: The support needs assessment (Word)
- Factsheet – Step 2: The support needs assessment (PDF)
- Factsheet – Step 3: Building a plan (Word)
- Factsheet – Step 4: Using a plan (Word)
- Factsheet – Reviews and appeals under the new way of planning (Word)
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Factsheet – Reviews and appeals under the new way of planning (PDF)
Discussion paper
Outlines the rules and the proposed new four step process.
- Discussion paper on new framework planning (Easy Read) (PDF)
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Discussion paper on new framework planning (Text only Easy Read) (Word)
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Auslan - Summary of discussion paper on new framework planning (Video below)
Explanatory documents
These are more technical documents explaining some of the rules that are being developed.
- Explanatory document – Notice of impairments (Word)
- Explanatory Document - Transition to New Framework Plan (Word)
- Explanatory Document - Transition to New Framework Plan (PDF)
- Explanatory document – New framework plan spending rules (Word)
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Explanatory document – New framework plan spending rules (PDF)
- Explanatory document – Stated supports (Word)
What we heard summary report
A summary report of disability sector feedback between September and December 2025.
New framework planning webpage
The Department's webpage on new framework planning, which contains resources and is updated regularly.
Why your views matter
Your feedback will help make decisions about changes to the new framework planning rules before updated rules are agreed with state and territory governments.
Audiences
- General public
Interests
- Disability community
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