If you or someone you love relies on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you’ll want to pay close attention—because some of the biggest changes in years are about to roll out.

With nearly $50 billion in funding and more than 62,000 Aussies depending on it, the NDIS is a lifeline for many, but it’s also one of the most complex government programs around.

Even the government admits it’s a bit of a maze!

So, what’s actually changing, when will it happen, and—most importantly—how might it affect you or your family? Let’s break it down, with a few extra insights and tips.

Since the NDIS first arrived in WA, our state has always done things a little differently. But from 1 July, that’s about to change.

WA will now pay a fixed, up-front contribution to the NDIS each year, while the Commonwealth government will cover the rest.

NDIS funding in Western Australia will be changed to a fixed annual payment from 1 July, with remaining costs covered by the Commonwealth. Credit: Facebook

This means service providers will have a more predictable pool of money to work with, which should (in theory) make planning and delivering services a bit smoother.

NDIS Minister Mark Butler has reassured everyone that this new funding model will secure the scheme’s future in WA, so those who rely on it can continue to get the support they need.

But that’s not all. A new WA advisory council—made up of people with lived experience and expert backgrounds—will be set up to keep an eye on how the NDIS is working and to advocate for users.

This is a positive step, as it means the voices of real people will be heard at the highest levels.

Alongside the funding shake-up, there are also some changes to how much providers can charge for certain services.

For example, therapists can now only bill 50% of their hourly rate for travel time, and there are cuts of up to $10 per hour for some services like physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, and psychology.

Both the new funding model and these pricing changes kick in from Tuesday, 1 July.

The state government says these changes are designed to help people in regional and remote areas, who often struggle to access services. But not everyone is convinced.

Some families in the north of WA, like Wickham mum Janel Went, worry that their children’s access to vital therapies could be reduced.

For young kids, in-person therapy is crucial, and travelling long distances just isn’t practical.

​

Meanwhile, service providers in the south, like behaviour analyst Liz Martin, say they’ve had to absorb rising costs for years without any increase in therapy pricing.

The new rules on travel costs could make it even harder for them to offer outreach services to families who need them most.

The NDIS insists that no one’s individual plan will be cut because of these price changes, and that the market is strong enough to keep services available.

But as always, the real test will be how things play out on the ground.

Sadly, wherever there’s a big pot of money, there are always a few bad apples.

The NDIS has been targeted by criminals, with an estimated $8 billion in funding being rorted by crime groups in the last financial year alone.

​

That’s money that should be going to people who genuinely need support.

To tackle this, the federal government passed the ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track’ bill, giving the agency more power to crack down on fraud and abuse.

It’s a welcome move, but it’s also a reminder of how important it is to keep the system fair and sustainable for everyone.

In the last financial year, the cost of supporting NDIS participants in WA was $3.6 billion. The federal government paid $2.3 billion, and the WA government chipped in $1.3 billion.

Under the new agreement, WA’s contribution is expected to average about $1.5 billion a year, with the federal government also reimbursing WA for some administrative costs.

If you’re an NDIS participant, a carer, or a service provider, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your plan and your services over the next few months.

If you notice any changes or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your NDIS planner or local advocacy group.

And remember, the new advisory council is there to represent your interests, so if you have feedback or suggestions, make your voice heard!

Key Takeaways

• Western Australia is changing how it funds the NDIS, moving to an upfront, fixed annual payment to the scheme from 1 July, with the Commonwealth covering the rest, aiming for more predictable funding for service providers.
• Several NDIS pricing changes start this week, including cuts to some therapy rates and only half-rate billing for therapist travel, which has raised concerns among regional providers about access and service costs.
• A new WA advisory council made up of people with disability and experts will be established to guide the government and advocate for NDIS users.
• Ongoing issues around misuse of NDIS funds have prompted federal reforms, including the ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track’ bill to crack down on rorting, with multi-billion dollar losses estimated last year.

Are you or someone you know affected by the NDIS changes in WA? Do you think the new funding model and pricing rules will help or hinder access to services? Have you experienced any issues with NDIS reporting or fraud? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Read more: Could NDIS reform mistakes leave you or your loved ones at risk? Find out how

 

[elaine41]

About time. The NDIS has been a system of abuse for its entire existence. Young people who are "diagnosed" as autistic get on the DIS programme. Never reviewed despite the fact that some of them by the time they reach adulthood are capable of holding good jobs while others with the same "diagnosis" manage to have their own car (how did they manage that?). Never held a job just spends the whole day in his bedroom playing computer games. This is really THEFT from the rest of the Australian people who pay for the NDIS to fund these rorts.

 

[mylittletibbies]

The majority of the rorts are being carried out by the service providers not the people with disabilities.
Unfortunately it js quite common for people who have no idea of the complex nature of different disabilities offer their
uneducated opinion on who they consider should or should not qualify for NDIS funding. I would suggest that is better left to the experts.
It is not unusual for a person with a disability to drive a car and to insinuate that they somehow managed to have a
car by stealing NDJS money is reprehensible.
My daughter is not autistic ,she has an NDJS plan which I self manage and therefore don't have to use NDIS providers. This way I manage to make here funds last the whole year. These funds would only last about three to four months if I was to use an NDIS approved provider.
I f my daughter wanted to she could more than afford to buy a car, even half a dozen from money she has saved from her disability pension over the years.
Maybe this autistic person you talk of has done the same . Do you have access to his finances to make these statements.
You should also do some research on autism and you might be able to work out why this person may be unable to work and spends his time gaming.
I have recently spent $1350 having a ramp installed for my daughter by a friend.
If I had claimed it through NDIS they firstly needed an OT report (about $4000), even although they already had one from 18 months ago, then I had to get 3 quotes from approved providers, none of which live anywhere near me. Another lady I know had one done
in our town, it cost $5000, including.travel.
With the OT report that would have made it $9000 for my daughter's ramp.
Perhaps NDIS should also look at their different rules and regulations and the providers who charge ridiculous prices.
So instead of wasting NDIS money I paid for it myself.
Not all people who are receiving NDIS funds are sorting the system. You should be careful what you say, unless you have proof, there are laws against slander.
And contrary to what you say people are reassessed