In Short
From 1 July 2026, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and NDIS platform providers must transition to mandatory registration with the NDIS Commission. Registration will involve meeting quality standards, audits, worker screening, and ongoing reporting. Further guidance on the transition is expected in early 2026.
Tips for Businesses
If you operate as a SIL or platform provider, start reviewing your systems, policies, and workforce arrangements now. Identify any gaps against expected quality and safeguarding standards, including record keeping and worker screening. Allow time and budget for audits and assessments, and keep an eye on NDIS Commission updates as transition guidance is released.
Summary
This guide explains mandatory NDIS registration for SIL and platform providers in Australia and outlines what businesses should expect during the transition phase. It is prepared by LegalVision’s business lawyers, which specialises in advising clients on NDIS regulation and provider obligations.
On 18 December 2025, the Australian government announced that from 1 July 2026, the transition phase for all disability service providers in Supported Independent Living (SIL) and NDIS platform providers to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) will begin.
As part of registration, all SIL and platform providers must meet high-quality standards. They will also undergo audits, suitability assessments, reporting obligations, and worker screening checks.
The changes follow extensive consultation by the NDIS Commission. They respond to recommendations from the NDIS Review, the Disability Royal Commission, and the Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce.
Alongside mandatory registration, the NDIS is expected to finalise the SIL Practice Standards. It will also complete the redeveloped Quality and Safeguards Framework.
The NDIS Commission has also paused the reform on mandatory registration for support coordinators.
This article covers which providers are affected by mandatory NDIS registration and key considerations for the transition phase.
This fact sheet will help you to identify the key terms you must include in your NDIS service agreement.
What is an NDIS Platform Provider?
The NDIS Commission has not yet finalised the definition of a platform provider. Its inquiry describes providers using profile-based platforms to connect participants with workers through apps or websites. Platform providers can also be referred to as online, on-demand, or digital platforms.
A platform provider is an NDIS provider that collects funds from an NDIS-funded plan during its business operations. This means a platform provider can remain an NDIS provider even if it is not a party to the worker-participant service agreement.
Example*: CareConnect operates a platform where workers and participants create profiles and search for one another through dedicated directories. Participants can select their preferred worker, such as Sarah choosing James to provide personal care support. CareConnect deducts a fee from NDIS funding when Sarah pays through the platform, despite the service agreement being with James. CareConnect is considered a ‘platform provider’ by the NDIA and must comply with platform provider regulations.
*The scenario and business name are fictional.
Currently, platform providers can be either registered or unregistered NDIS providers.
What is a SIL Provider?
A SIL provider is an NDIS provider who delivers in-home support to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible. SIL supports can include personal care and other daily tasks like showering, dressing, cooking and cleaning. SIL supports can be delivered in a participant’s home, a shared home, or with Special Disability Accommodation. Participants who receive SIL support usually have complex needs.
Example*: Independence Living Services* is a SIL provider that supports Emma, who has cerebral palsy and lives in her own apartment. Independence Living Services’ support workers visit Emma daily to assist with personal care tasks such as showering and dressing, help her prepare meals, and support her with household cleaning and laundry. As Emma has complex physical and cognitive needs that require round-the-clock support, Independence Living Services also provides overnight assistance and emergency response services to ensure she can continue living independently in her chosen home environment.
*The scenario and business name is fictional.
New SIL providers may consider registering their SIL business when setting it up.
Continue reading this article below the formWhat Do I Need to Do Before 1 July 2026 if I Am a SIL or Platform Provider?
The Commission has said it will provide further guidance on transition arrangements in early 2026. It has also been stated that providers will have adequate time to prepare for mandatory registration. Providers should monitor the NDIS Commission website for further information as it is released.
Providers should also consult a lawyer and a regulatory consultant in advance to ensure they are prepared for the transition to mandatory registration.
Key Takeaways
The NDIS industry, laws and regulations are constantly changing to meet the needs of NDIS participants and providers. As part of these changes, SIL providers and platform providers will need to be registered with the NDIS Commission. The transition to mandatory registration will begin on 1 July 2026, and the NDIS Commission is expected to provide further guidance to help providers comply with this new requirement in early 2026. All current unregistered SIL and platform providers should start analysing their processes and procedures and preparing for registration and audits.
If you are wondering whether the new mandatory registration requirements will apply to your business, LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for all businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced NDIS lawyers help businesses across industries manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property, and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision’s legal membership, call 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
From 1 July 2026, all Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and NDIS platform providers must transition to mandatory registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This includes currently unregistered providers in these categories who collect NDIS funds as part of their operations.
The NDIS Commission will release further guidance on transition arrangements in early 2026. In the meantime, providers should monitor Commission updates, review their internal processes, and consider consulting lawyers and regulatory consultants to prepare for registration, audits, and ongoing compliance obligations.
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