NDIS Reform: A Defining Moment to Get This Right

Written by Debra Cerasa (CEO, Amplify Alliance Australia)

The recent announcements from Minister Mark Butler on the future of the NDIS have sharpened the national conversation—and rightly so.

This is one of those moments where policy decisions will not just shape systems but directly shape people’s lives. And for those of us working alongside people with disability every day, the stakes are very real.

I want to start by saying that Amplify Alliance believes, reform is necessary.

We are seeing pressures across the NDIS cost growth, workforce constraints, complexity, and inconsistent outcomes. These challenges are not new, and they do need to be addressed.

But what I am hearing consistently from our Members is this:

Reform must be grounded in purpose—not driven by cost alone.

The NDIS was never designed to be the cheapest system. It was designed to be the right system.

One of the most significant shifts being proposed is the move to a consolidated “navigator” model.

There is intent here, to simplify access and improve coordination. And that matters.

But we also need to be honest about the risks.

Support coordination is just as much a relationship as it is a function. It’s built on trust, understanding, and the ability to respond to complex, individual needs with participants.

Moving to a centralised, hub-based model may improve efficiency but it may also reduce flexibility, particularly for participants with complex needs or in regional communities.

And we cannot ignore the impact on smaller, community-based providers who play such a critical role in delivering tailored support.

The same tension is showing up in accommodation reform.

We know traditional Supported Independent Living (SIL) models are under pressure, high cost, limited flexibility, and in some cases, not delivering the quality of life participants deserve.

But across the sector, we are already seeing better ways.

Individualised Living Arrangements, host and home-share models approaches are more connected, more flexible, and often more sustainable.

The opportunity now is to scale what’s working, not default to what’s familiar.

And then there is employment.

Too many participants are still moving through systems that prepare them for work but don’t actually lead to sustainable job outcomes.

We know what works:

• On-the-job learning
• Strong employer partnerships
• Ongoing, individualised support

If employment is the goal, then the system needs to be designed to deliver it.

Across all of this, one theme keeps emerging:  The risk of moving toward more standardised, one-size-fits-all models.

The NDIS was built on the opposite principle, that is individualisation, choice and control. We cannot lose that.

At Amplify Alliance, our position is clear:

• Keep the participant at the centre
• Protect diversity in the provider market
• Champion innovation already happening on the ground
• Focus on long-term value—not just short-term savings

And most importantly, Design reform with the sector—not for it.

There is so much goodwill, insight and innovation across this sector.

Every day, our Members are navigating complexity and delivering support that changes lives.

They are not resisting reform.

They are ready to help shape it.

This is a defining moment for the NDIS.

Let’s make sure we get it right for the people it exists to serve.

Examples of this work can be seen across Amplify Alliance Australia Membership, all Not for Profit organisations delivering community‑based support coordination, innovative housing models, and employment pathways designed with employers and participants alike.  Take a moment to see how:

• Muscular Dystrophy Queensland (QLD)
• North West Community Services Inc (NSW)
• STEPS Group (QLD)
• Wandiyali (NSW)
• Uniting Vic Tas (VIC & TAS)
• Nova Employment (Australia-wide)

Amplify Alliance Australia stands ready to engage with government to progress reform discussions, design and implementation.