In Short
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From 1 July 2026, all Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and NDIS platform providers must transition to mandatory registration with the NDIS Commission.
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Registration will involve meeting quality standards, audits, suitability checks, reporting obligations and worker screening.
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Further guidance on transition arrangements is expected from the NDIS Commission in early 2026.
Tips for Businesses
If you are a SIL or platform provider, start preparing now. Review your policies, systems and worker screening processes, and identify gaps against expected quality standards. Keep an eye on updates from the NDIS Commission in early 2026, and consider getting legal and regulatory advice early so you are ready for audits and registration requirements.
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
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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
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Currently, SIL providers can be either registered or unregistered NDIS providers. It remains unclear what processes unregistered SIL providers must follow during the transition while applying for registration.
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, or if you require any other legal assistance as an NDIS provider, our experienced NDIS lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 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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