Across Australia, advocates, providers and families are saying the same thing:
the quality of NDIS decision-making has fallen to an alarming low.
Every week, we see poor decisions from unqualified or under-trained NDIA delegates — decisions that ignore evidence, misapply the law, and leave participants without critical supports.
This isn’t about isolated mistakes. It’s a systemic problem.
When Unqualified Delegates Decide Lives
As an advocate, I’ve seen too many decisions that defy both logic and legislation.
“We can’t fund the powered wheelchair because the support worker pushing it might trip — that’s a risk to fund.”
“If a participant with Level 3 Autism, severe intellectual disability and epilepsy wants to live alone instead of SDA, they shouldn’t receive any NDIS funding since they're so independent.”
“It’s parental responsibility to physically shower your 12-year-old autistic child.”
Each of these statements came from NDIA decision-makers. None of them are aligned with the NDIS Act or the reasonable and necessary criteria.
These aren’t one-offs. They’re part of a national pattern that’s damaging trust and outcomes.
The Sustainability Excuse
The NDIA’s current focus on “sustainability” has turned into a culture of funding less — not funding right.
I’m seeing decisions made to:
- Avoid higher delegation approvals
- Meet internal KPIs
- Contain short-term costs, rather than meet participant needs
But real sustainability doesn’t come from cutting funding.
It comes from getting decisions right the first time — funding correctly, fairly and lawfully.
When delegates understand the NDIS Act, apply evidence accurately, and explain decisions clearly, reviews and appeals drop.
That’s how you build a sustainable Scheme — through competence, not cuts.
Real Reform Starts with Qualified Delegates
Every poorly trained delegate represents a risk — not only to participants and families, but to the entire NDIS system.
We need delegates who:
- Understand the reasonable and necessary criteria and how to apply it
- Can explain decisions in plain English
- Not afraid to have a difficult conversation
- Have professional backgrounds in disability, health or social work
- Receive ongoing training in the NDIS Act, Rules and Operational Guidelines
- Are held accountable for the quality of their decisions
Without this, we’ll continue to see wasted resources, trauma for participants, and growing distrust in the system.
Sustainability Comes from Skill, Not Shortcuts
Cutting supports might reduce numbers on a spreadsheet, but it doesn’t make the NDIS sustainable.
Educated, consistent and participant-focused decisions do.
It’s time the NDIA redefined what sustainability really means — because funding less is not sustainable.
Funding right is.