The Australian Government has announced plans to make it mandatory for platform providers (including Mable), Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, and support coordinators to register under the NDIS.
This change could significantly impact both people with disability and support workers.
It is important to note that Mable supports a fair registration system based on the actual risks of providing services. However, the proposed mandatory registration system could make it harder for people with disability to access quality support.
Now is your chance to have your say on these changes by sharing your feedback in writing with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission before the consultation period ends on 7 March 2025.
You can send an email directly to consultation@ndiscommission.gov.au.
What is mandatory registration?
Mandatory registration means that all platform providers, such as Mable, would have to follow the same strict regulations, regardless of the types of services they offer.
While registration is crucial for high-risk, complex supports, the proposed system treats all providers the same. This could create unnecessary challenges for people with disability and their support workers.
This proposal comes after the NDIS Review recommended a "graduated risk-proportionate regulatory model," which would regulate providers based on the actual risk associated with their services.
However, the Government has chosen to mandate registration for all platform providers under the existing system, which does not consider the unique ways in which people access their support services.
When will mandatory registration come into effect?
There will be no changes to mandatory registration before 1 July 2025.
How will mandatory registration affect NDIS participants?
For people with disability, mandatory registration could result in fewer choices and a loss of control over their support options.
The NDIS was created to give people with disability the freedom to choose the supports and services that best suit their needs. The proposed changes could reduce these options by adding strict rules that might limit the number of available providers.
Potential concerns for NDIS participants
- Loss of independence and choice: The proposed model could restrict access to the support workers that participants know and trust.
- Privacy concerns: Mandatory registration may allow auditors to access personal records, affecting confidentiality.
- Less support options: Some highly personalised or specialised services might no longer be available.
- Disruption to support relationships: New compliance requirements might affect existing relationships with support workers.
How will mandatory registration affect support workers?
Support workers are essential for providing unique services to meet the specific needs of individual NDIS participants. Mandatory registration could add extra administrative burdens and limit flexibility in how support workers provide services.
Potential concerns for support workers
- Loss of flexibility: Support workers may need to adhere to stricter guidelines that do not align with their clients' preferences.
- Increased administrative workload: More paperwork and compliance checks could take time away from providing quality support.
- Financial burden: Higher compliance costs could affect support worker earnings or platform fees. Reducing the number of hours of support available for NDIS participants.
- Standardisation of care: Mandatory requirements could limit the ability to provide highly personalised support.
How will mandatory registration affect Mable?
Mable's online platform connects people with disability directly with independent support workers, offering flexibility and choice. The proposed changes would force Mable to follow strict rules meant for providers who service participants with complex or high needs. This could change how our platform works and affect the types of services NDIS participants value.
Mable supports a fair registration system based on the actual risks of providing services. However, the proposed mandatory registration system could make it harder for people with disability to access quality support.
Have your say
Your voice matters in shaping the future of the NDIS. The government is seeking feedback from NDIS participants, support workers, and providers before finalising these changes.
By sharing your thoughts, you can ensure that the NDIS remains flexible, inclusive, and focused on individual needs.
You can provide your feedback by emailing consultation@ndiscommission.gov.au.
Why your feedback is important
Mandatory registration could impact how support is delivered across Australia. By participating in the consultation, you can advocate for a registration system that recognises the diverse needs of NDIS participants and the different ways they choose to receive support.
An NDIS for everyone means finding support that suits your kind of independence. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say and help shape a fair and accessible NDIS for all.
