In November 2025, the Australian Government introduced the second major tranche of NDIS legislative reform: the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025. This bill focuses on protecting participants and strengthening the powers of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Here is a plain-language summary.
What Is the Integrity and Safeguarding Bill?
This legislation proposes ten amendments to the NDIS Act 2013. Its primary focus is on two things: improving the NDIS Commission’s ability to detect and respond to fraud and non-compliance, and strengthening participant safety protections — particularly for people in higher-risk support settings.
Key Proposed Changes
Among the amendments proposed in the Bill are:
- Higher penalties for providers who commit serious breaches of the NDIS rules, especially where a significant failure is involved
- Strengthened regulations around the use and disclosure of protected information held by the NDIS Commission
- Administrative improvements to make it easier for the NDIA and Commission to share relevant information and act on compliance concerns
- Updates to how the Commission can respond to providers who are found to be putting participants at risk
What Does This Mean for Participants?
For participants, particularly those in supported living arrangements or receiving high-intensity supports, this legislation signals a stronger safety net. The Commission will have greater ability to investigate concerns, take action against non-compliant providers, and impose meaningful consequences for serious failures.
The Bill reflects the findings of the Disability Royal Commission, which documented serious safety gaps for people with disability in both NDIS and non-NDIS settings.
When Will It Take Effect?
As of early 2026, the Bill has been introduced to Parliament but has not yet passed. The timing of its passage will depend on parliamentary processes. We will update this page when it becomes law.
Azalea Care is committed to participant safety above all else. We welcome stronger safeguarding legislation and are proud to operate with transparency and accountability. If you have any concerns about the quality of your care, please speak with us directly.