PWDA is working with the disability community to respond to the Australian Government's NDIS New Framework Planning Consultation
Friday 23 January
PWDA recognises that news about major NDIS changes can land differently for different people. Some members of our community may be feeling worried or overwhelmed. Others may be waiting to understand what these changes mean for them. However you are feeling right now, PWDA wants to support people with disability to meaningfully engage with the Australian Government's NDIS New Framework Planning consultation announced today, Friday 23 January 2026.
This consultation matters because it directly affects the supports many people rely on every day to live, work and participate in community life.
Important 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. This includes careful consideration of when and how information is released, and how communities are supported to engage. PWDA has consistently called for disability-affirming, trauma-informed and community-centred approaches to NDIS communication and consultation. We remain concerned that these principles are not always reflected in how major changes are announced.
We also acknowledge this consultation comes with a large volume of information to review, understand and respond to, including factsheets, a discussion paper, reports and explanatory documents.
PWDA has our experts dedicating their time to understanding these materials, guided by our core principles - and of course by you - for our submission and response:
- protecting participant rights and safety
- safeguarding choice and control
- ensuring access to essential supports
- centring people with disability's expertise and experiences
- and holding the Scheme to its legislative obligations.
Your knowledge and experience are key to how we will respond. Today, our immediate priorities are clear:
- Securing a direct briefing from the Australian Government
We pushed for an urgent direct briefing so we can better understand the detail behind what has been released, clarify some immediate questions and share accurate information with our members and community. Meetings will take place next week and we are hoping they provide meaningful information.
- Creating space for our community to be heard
Alongside our expert analysis, we want to hear directly from people with disability about your initial reactions, concerns and questions. Your experiences and voices must shape PWDA's response and engagement with the consultation process
We will also be working closely with other Disability Representative Organisations so we can share information, coordinate our responses and, as a community, to have a strong and coordinated approach in this consultation.
While we are still reviewing the information provided so far, some key questions are already emerging, including:
- The consultation materials indicate the transition to new framework plans will begin from mid-2026 and be phased in over time. What needs to occur to ensure that these timelines are viable?
- For the proposed grouping of participants for rollout, how can we ensure that those with high and/or complex support needs are clearly considered in how and when changes should happen?
- What safeguards will be embedded to prevent people losing necessary supports, including when it comes to choice and control and the management/assessment of "replacement needs"?
- How will guardrails be integrated to reduce impact on participant choice and control?
- Further explicit information is needed around how the NDIA will ensure their staff are effectively trained and prepared before the proposed rollout dates
PWDA will be working with you and moving quickly over the six-week consultation period. We will be analysing the documents, engaging directly with government, and listening to our members to develop a strong, evidence-based submission grounded in your voices, experiences and expertise.
If you are a NDIS participant, PWDA member or person with disability we invite you to share your initial thoughts through our short survey. This is a first step in shaping PWDA's advocacy and consultation response.
- Survey - Share your initial thoughts on the NDIS New Framework Planning
- Government consultation documents
We want to be clear: PWDA is in your corner. We will continue centring your experiences and advocating for a Scheme that works for the people it is meant to support.
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