Key Points:

  • The NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025 was introduced to Parliament on November 26, 2025
  • The Bill proposes 10 amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013
  • Changes strengthen NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission regulatory powers to combat fraud and protect participants
  • New penalties include criminal offences for operating without registration and failing to comply with banning orders
  • Anti-promotion orders will restrict predatory marketing that exploits participants
  • Banning powers expand to include consultants and auditors, not just providers
  • Maximum civil penalty for harming a participant increases to align with Work Health and Safety legislation
  • The Bill responds to concerns about up to $5 billion in NDIS fraud and predatory practices in remote communities
  • Participants get new safeguards including a 90-day cooling-off period for withdrawing from the scheme
  • The Bill is part of the second tranche of NDIS legislative reforms announced November 11, 2025

What Is the NDIS Integrity and Safeguarding Bill 2025?

On November 26, 2025, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025 was introduced into Parliament. This legislation represents the second major wave of NDIS reforms, following the “Getting the NDIS Back on Track” legislation that commenced in October 2024.

The Bill proposes 10 amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, split between changes that strengthen the regulatory capabilities of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (Schedule 1) and several administrative changes for the National Disability Insurance Agency (Schedule 2).

Minister Jenny McAllister announced the Bill on November 11, 2025, saying it would “increase safeguarding of NDIS participants and improve the integrity of the scheme.”

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville welcomed the proposed measures, saying: “These reforms will empower the NDIS Commission to take stronger regulatory action. These changes will support us to be a more formidable regulator with a clear focus on protecting human rights and the sustainability of the NDIS.”

Why These Changes Are Needed

The Bill responds to three major concerns:

1. NDIS Fraud and Financial Mismanagement

Reports suggest up to $5 billion in NDIS funding may have been lost to fraudulent or improper claims, according to Adelaide Now reporting in February 2026. The NDIS Fraud Taskforce has intensified its work, with several high-profile prosecutions resulting in significant penalties.

In one recent case, a Western Australian NDIS provider was charged with allegedly transferring $859,000 from their support business into personal gambling accounts. These cases highlight the need for stronger enforcement powers and penalties.

2. Predatory Practices in Vulnerable Communities

An ABC News investigation published on February 15, 2026, exposed serious concerns about predatory NDIS providers targeting remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The investigation revealed providers using inducements including cash, cigarettes, and alcohol to recruit participants, often with high-pressure sales tactics and inadequate explanation of services.

These practices not only waste scheme funding but leave vulnerable participants without appropriate support while their budgets are depleted.

3. Recommendations From Major Reviews

The Bill implements recommendations from:

  • The NDIS Review (Independent Review of the NDIS, final report December 2023)
  • The Disability Royal Commission (Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, final report September 2023)

Both reviews called for stronger regulatory powers, better safeguarding, and increased penalties to deter misconduct.

The 10 Amendments: What Changes and Why

The Bill is divided into two schedules. Schedule 1 contains amendments strengthening the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s regulatory powers. Schedule 2 contains administrative changes for the National Disability Insurance Agency.

Schedule 1: NDIS Commission Regulatory Powers (7 Parts)

Part 1: New Civil Penalty Provisions

What changes:

The Bill introduces new civil penalties for offences that previously only attracted criminal prosecution. This creates more flexibility in enforcement, allowing the Commission to take action through civil courts when conduct is harmful but does not meet the higher threshold for criminal prosecution.

New civil penalties include:

  • Failing to comply with a requirement to provide information (Section 57)
  • Providing false or misleading information or documents (Section 59A)
  • Unauthorised use or disclosure of protected Commission information (Section 67B)
  • Soliciting disclosure of protected Commission information (Section 67C)
  • Offering to supply protected Commission information (Section 67D)

Why it matters:

Civil penalties are easier to prove than criminal offences and allow the Commission to take action more quickly. This is particularly important for information-gathering powers, where providers may delay or refuse to cooperate with investigations.

Part 2: New Criminal Offences and Increased Penalties

What changes:

The Bill introduces two new criminal offences:

  1. Providing NDIS supports that require registration without being registered (Section 73B)
  2. Failing to comply with a banning order (Section 73ZNA)

Previously, these were only civil penalty provisions. Making them criminal offences allows for prosecution and potential imprisonment in serious cases.

The Bill also introduces higher civil penalties for “aggravated contraventions” where a provider’s breach involves:

  • A significant failure, or
  • A systemic pattern of conduct

Aggravated breach penalties apply to:

  • Providing false or misleading information in registration applications (Section 73D)
  • Breaching conditions of registration (Section 73J)
  • Breaching the NDIS Code of Conduct (Section 73V)
  • Causing or threatening to cause detriment to another person (Section 73ZC)
  • Contravening a compliance notice (Section 73ZM)

Specific penalty increase:

The maximum civil penalty for harming a participant will increase to align with Work Health and Safety legislation. Commissioner Glanville noted this ensures “the life of a person with disability is not valued less than the life of a worker.”

Why it matters:

Stronger penalties deter serious misconduct. The distinction between standard and aggravated breaches ensures that systematic or deliberate wrongdoing faces significantly harsher consequences than isolated errors.

Criminal prosecution for operating without required registration sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate providers circumventing safeguards. Participants should be aware of NDIS provider fraud warning signs to protect themselves.

Part 3: Regulatory Powers (Technical Changes)

What changes:

Part 3 makes technical amendments to connect the new civil penalties with existing regulatory powers held by the NDIS Commission under the Regulatory Powers Act. It also updates terminology and headings throughout the legislation to reflect new definitions.

Why it matters:

These are housekeeping changes that ensure the legislation functions correctly and the Commission can exercise its new powers effectively.

Part 4: Anti-Promotion Orders

What changes:

The Bill gives the NDIS Commissioner new power to issue anti-promotion orders. These orders can restrict a person or organisation from engaging in promotional activity that does not align with the objects and principles of the NDIS Act.

Examples of conduct that might attract an anti-promotion order:

  • Predatory marketing that exploits participants’ vulnerability (as documented in the ACCC’s NDIS provider exploitation report)
  • High-pressure sales tactics that pressure participants into signing up for services they do not need
  • Misleading advertising about services or funding entitlements
  • Promotional activity that undermines the integrity of the scheme

Why it matters:

The ABC investigation into remote communities revealed providers using aggressive marketing and inducements to recruit participants. Traditional enforcement tools like banning orders or compliance notices only apply after a provider is already operating and causing harm.

Anti-promotion orders allow the Commission to intervene earlier, restricting harmful marketing before participants are signed up and their budgets depleted.

Commissioner Glanville said: “Anti-promotion powers will mean we can crackdown on predatory marketing that exploits NDIS participants and undermines the integrity of the scheme.”

Part 5: Expanded Banning Orders

What changes:

Currently, the Commission can issue banning orders against providers and their employees. The Bill expands banning powers to include:

  • Consultants who advise providers or participants
  • Auditors who conduct quality audits of providers

Why it matters:

Some unscrupulous operators work behind the scenes as consultants or advisers, helping providers game the system or exploit loopholes without directly delivering services. Others act as auditors who provide favourable audit reports to providers who should not pass quality checks.

The Commission has identified cases where consultants coach providers on how to avoid compliance or where auditors turn a blind eye to serious quality failures. Previously, the Commission could not ban these individuals because they were not classified as providers or employees.

Commissioner Glanville said: “The ability to ban auditors and consultants is critical to remove unscrupulous operators from the scheme.”

Part 6: Strengthened Information-Gathering Powers

What changes:

The Bill strengthens the Commission’s power to require information and documents from NDIS providers in three ways:

  1. Shorter timeframes: The Commission can require information in less than the current 14-day minimum in urgent circumstances
  2. Document production: The Bill explicitly requires registered providers to provide documents, not just information, when requested
  3. Protected information access rules: The Commissioner can make rules about who can access protected NDIS Commission information

Why it matters:

When the Commission is investigating serious harm, fraud, or safety risks, waiting 14 days for information can allow evidence to be destroyed or harm to continue. The ability to require urgent information disclosure enables faster, more responsive regulatory action.

Making document production explicit closes a technical loophole some providers have exploited to resist investigations.

Part 7: Evidentiary Certificates

What changes:

The Bill allows evidentiary certificates signed by the NDIS Commissioner to be used in court proceedings. These certificates will be considered prima facie evidence (accepted as factually correct unless proven otherwise).

Why it matters:

This streamlines court proceedings, reducing the time and cost of prosecutions. Instead of requiring Commission staff to appear in court to give evidence about basic facts (like whether a provider is registered), a certificate can be submitted as evidence.

This frees up Commission resources to focus on investigations and compliance work rather than court appearances.

Schedule 2: NDIA Administrative Changes (3 Parts)

Part 1: Participant Withdrawal Safeguards

What changes:

The Bill introduces a 90-day “cooling-off period” for participants who request to leave the NDIS. During this period:

  • The participant can cancel their withdrawal request with no consequences
  • The NDIA has time to confirm the decision is genuine and in the participant’s best interest
  • Safeguards can be put in place to ensure the decision will not result in harm

The Bill also allows the NDIA to accept withdrawal requests in formats other than writing, such as verbally, by phone, or in person.

Current system:

Under current rules, a participant who wants to leave the NDIS must request it in writing and the withdrawal takes effect immediately.

Why it matters:

The Commission and NDIA have identified cases where vulnerable participants have been pressured by family members, carers, or others to withdraw from the scheme so the individual can access other benefits or the family can gain control of the person’s finances.

In other cases, participants have made hasty decisions during periods of crisis or frustration with the NDIS and later regretted withdrawing.

The 90-day cooling-off period ensures participants have time to consider their decision and can reverse it if they were pressured or made the decision without fully understanding the consequences.

Part 2: Electronic Claims Forms

What changes:

The Bill allows the NDIA to require claims from providers in particular formats, such as electronically.

Why it matters:

Electronic claiming improves the NDIA’s ability to detect fraudulent or duplicate claims, track spending patterns, and ensure providers are billing correctly. It also speeds up payment processing and reduces administrative errors.

Some providers have resisted electronic claiming, preferring paper-based systems that are harder to audit and cross-check.

Part 3: Plan Variation Clarification

What changes:

The Bill clarifies that plan variations can include an increase or decrease in total funding amounts.

Current situation:

The ability to vary plans already exists, but there has been ambiguity about whether variations can change the total funding level or only reallocate funding between categories.

Why it matters:

This clarification ensures participants can have their plans adjusted without undergoing a full reassessment when their circumstances change but their overall needs remain similar.

For example, if a participant’s therapy needs decrease but their transport needs increase, a plan variation can adjust the funding allocation without creating an entirely new plan.

This provides flexibility while maintaining budgetary control.

What This Means for Participants

Stronger Protection From Harm

The increased penalties and expanded enforcement powers mean the NDIS Commission has more tools to take action against providers who cause harm, engage in fraud, or exploit participants.

If you experience poor quality support, financial exploitation, or abuse, the Commission will be better equipped to investigate, take enforcement action, and remove bad actors from the scheme.

Better Safeguards for Vulnerable People

The 90-day cooling-off period for NDIS withdrawal protects vulnerable participants from being pressured into leaving the scheme. If you or someone you support requests to withdraw, there is now time to reconsider and reverse that decision if it was made under pressure or without full understanding.

Protection From Predatory Marketing

Anti-promotion orders give the Commission power to shut down predatory marketing and high-pressure sales tactics before participants are signed up and their budgets depleted.

If you encounter aggressive marketing, misleading claims about NDIS entitlements, or offers of inducements to sign up with a provider, you can report this to the Commission, which now has specific powers to intervene.

Greater Transparency

Evidentiary certificates and streamlined court proceedings mean enforcement actions can proceed more quickly. When the Commission takes action against providers, participants will see results faster.

What This Means for Providers

Higher Standards and Accountability

If you are a registered NDIS provider, you will face higher penalties for serious misconduct. The distinction between standard and aggravated breaches means systematic failures or deliberate wrongdoing will attract significantly harsher consequences.

Criminal Prosecution for Serious Breaches

Operating without required registration or failing to comply with a banning order are now criminal offences, not just civil penalties. This means potential imprisonment for serious violations.

Expanded Scope of Banning

If you work as a consultant or auditor in the NDIS space, you can now be banned from operating if you engage in misconduct. This closes a loophole that previously allowed individuals to continue influencing the sector even after being found to have engaged in harmful practices.

Faster Compliance Action

The Commission can require information and documents more quickly, particularly in urgent situations. Providers who delay or obstruct investigations will face civil penalties.

Expectations for Electronic Claiming

Expect the NDIA to move toward mandatory electronic claiming. Ensure your systems can submit claims electronically to avoid payment delays.

Timeline and Next Steps

November 26, 2025: The Bill was introduced to Parliament and referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry.

Late 2024: The NDIS Commission conducted public consultation on the proposed measures, receiving strong support.

2026: The Bill is scheduled for further consideration when Parliament sits in 2026. If passed, different provisions may commence at different times.

Implementation: Once passed, the NDIS Commission will issue guidance on how the new powers will be exercised and what providers and participants need to know.

How to Protect Yourself From Bad Providers

While the Integrity and Safeguarding Bill strengthens enforcement, participants still need to be vigilant when selecting providers.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Aggressive marketing or high-pressure sales tactics (“sign up now or miss out”)
  • Offers of cash, gifts, or inducements to sign up with a particular provider
  • Promises that sound too good to be true (“we can get you double the funding”)
  • Reluctance to provide information in writing or refusal to explain services clearly
  • Pressure to withdraw from the NDIS or change your plan management arrangements without clear benefit to you
  • Claims that you must use a particular provider because of your location or disability type

What to Do

  1. Use registered providers where possible: Registered providers undergo stricter compliance checks and face higher accountability.

  2. Check registration status: Verify a provider’s registration on the NDIS Commission website.

  3. Connect through trusted platforms: Carevo verifies provider details before listing them, adding a layer of security.

  4. Review your NDIS statements regularly: Check that you are only being charged for supports you actually received.

  5. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter predatory marketing, fraud, or poor quality support, report it to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

  6. Get independent advice: Talk to your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator, or a disability advocate before making major decisions about providers or plan management.

How Carevo Supports Quality Connections

Carevo is a connection platform that helps NDIS participants find providers committed to quality, integrity, and participant-centred care. We verify provider details before they join our network.

While the Integrity and Safeguarding Bill strengthens enforcement against bad actors, the best protection is choosing quality providers from the start. Carevo helps you connect with professionals who value their reputation and prioritise participant outcomes.

Browse specialist support coordinators and advocacy services to find trustworthy professionals who meet quality standards and respect your choice and control.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Integrity and Safeguarding Bill become law?

The Bill was introduced to Parliament on November 26, 2025, and referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee. It is scheduled for further consideration when Parliament sits in 2026. The exact timing of passage and commencement will depend on the parliamentary process.

What are the new criminal offences?

The Bill creates two new criminal offences: (1) providing NDIS supports that require registration without being registered, and (2) failing to comply with a banning order. Both were previously only civil penalty provisions. Making them criminal offences allows for prosecution and potential imprisonment.

How do anti-promotion orders work?

Anti-promotion orders give the NDIS Commissioner power to restrict a person or organisation from engaging in promotional activity that does not align with NDIS principles. This could include stopping predatory marketing, high-pressure sales tactics, or misleading advertising. Orders can be issued before a provider has caused harm, allowing early intervention.

Can consultants and auditors be banned now?

Yes. The Bill expands banning powers to include consultants who advise providers or participants, and auditors who conduct quality audits. Previously, only providers and their employees could be banned. This closes a loophole where individuals operated behind the scenes helping providers game the system.

What is the 90-day cooling-off period?

If a participant requests to withdraw from the NDIS, there is now a 90-day period during which they can cancel their withdrawal request with no consequences. This protects vulnerable participants who may have been pressured to withdraw or made hasty decisions during a crisis.

Will penalties for harming participants increase?

Yes. The maximum civil penalty for harming a participant will increase to align with Work Health and Safety legislation. Commissioner Glanville noted this ensures the life of a person with disability is valued equally to the life of a worker under WHS laws.

How much NDIS money has been lost to fraud?

Reports suggest up to $5 billion in NDIS funding may have been lost to fraudulent or improper claims. The NDIS Fraud Taskforce has intensified its work over the past 18 months, with several high-profile prosecutions resulting in significant penalties.

What are aggravated contraventions?

Aggravated contraventions are breaches that involve a significant failure or a systemic pattern of conduct. These attract higher penalties than one-off errors or minor breaches. Examples include systematic fraud, widespread code of conduct violations, or organisational failures that cause harm to multiple participants.

Can the NDIS Commission require information faster now?

Yes. The Bill allows the Commission to require information in less than the current 14-day minimum in urgent circumstances. This enables faster response when investigating serious harm, fraud, or safety risks.

How do I report predatory marketing?

If you encounter aggressive marketing, high-pressure sales tactics, or offers of inducements to sign up with a provider, report it to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Call 1800 035 544 or submit a complaint through the Commission website.

Key Resources

This article was published on 17 February 2026. The NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025 is subject to parliamentary process and may be amended before becoming law. Always check official government sources for the most current information.

Looking for trustworthy NDIS providers? Connect with verified support coordinators and advocacy providers who prioritise participant safety and choice.