PWDA Submission On NDIS Rules: New Framework Planning

PWDA submission to the NDIS Rules: Public Consultation on New Framework Planning.

11 March 2026

PWDA welcomed the opportunity to respond to the NDIS Rules: Public Consultation on New Framework Planning (NFP). This consultation directly affects the supports many people rely on every day to live, work and participate in community life and the Rules determine every aspect of participants’ experiences of the NDIS.

Far-reaching changes like this require time, support and accessible information for people with disability to understand what is being proposed and to respond in meaningful ways.

Background on New Framework Planning

The Australian Government’s NDIS new framework planning: what we heard summary report stated people said communication regarding changes to the NDIS must be clear, timely and meet different communication needs.

Survey respondents said they felt that consultation processes were not transparent and felt tokenistic. They felt engagement with the disability community is limited and some decisions are made before consulting. They asked for clear information about how the NDIS rules are used.

People were also worried about moving to new framework plans before foundational supports are ready, and asked for a slow and supported change, with trauma informed communication.

Despite these findings, the Australian Government released a large volume of consultation materials on January 23, 2026, less than five months prior to the first group of participants transitioning to the new framework.

The consultation materials and briefings with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) contain significant gaps in information.

There are:

• no details about potential changes to the budget methodology,
• no updates on the NDIS Support rule and

A lack of clarity on

• how I-CAN based tools will work in practice,
• replacement needs assessments and
• plan variations.

PWDA recognises the significant complexity and challenges involved in delivering NDIS reform, however, codesign and consultation cannot be considered genuine or effective unless the Government provides the disability community with full and timely access to all relevant information.

PWDA has consistently called for disability-affirming, trauma-informed and community-centred approaches to NDIS communication and consultation. We remain deeply concerned that these principles are not always reflected in how major changes are developed and announced.

PWDA member consultation

On January 23, 2026, PWDA released a NDIS New Framework Planning member and community consultation survey to understand community views about the NFP consultation process and the proposed changes to NDIS Rules. The survey was sent out the same day the Government released the consultation materials, to ensure PWDA’s response would meet the consultation deadlines and incorporate the information available at the time.

We received a total of 213 responses.

Survey findings indicate confusion and distress within the disability community about the design and implementation of the proposed NDIS New Planning Framework with 63% of respondents saying the consultation documents did not provide them with enough time to be ready for the changes and 30% stating they were unsure.

Only 10% of respondents felt the NDIA and providers would be ready to implement these changes within the proposed timelines.

A deeply concerning theme across responses is the psychological impact of proposed reforms, particularly the way changes were communicated and perceived instability in essential supports, due to forthcoming changes.

Respondents describe panic, severe anxiety, trauma and feeling unsafe as participants, and experiences of suicidal ideation linked to planning instability and funding uncertainty.

PWDA’s submission and recommendations are based on responses to our survey and the limited information available in the consultation materials and from the DHDA’s briefings with DROs. We may need to update our recommendations when the Government releases further, critical information regarding proposed changes under the NFP.

This submission addresses the concerns of our members and the disability community, and strives to assist the Australian Government to ensure that changes to NDIS Rules under the New Framework Planning will:

• protect participant rights and safety
• safeguard choice and control
• guarantee access to essential supports

• hold the Scheme to its legislative obligations
• and will have a strong base in human rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).