NDIS Overhaul to Automate Support Plans, Reducing Human Role

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is set to undergo a significant transformation, with plans to automate the creation of funding and support plans for participants. Under this overhaul, human involvement in decision-making will be drastically reduced, moving towards a model where support plans are generated by a computer program with limited scope for staff amendments. This change, announced in an internal briefing to National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) staff, is scheduled to be implemented starting mid-2026.

According to the briefing, the new framework will limit participants’ rights to appeal decisions regarding their funding. Currently, if participants contest their plans, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) has the authority to modify or reinstate funding. However, under the revised model, ART will only be able to send plans back to the NDIA for reassessment, without the ability to directly alter them. This shift raises concerns among advocates regarding the potential impact on participants’ rights and support.

The government’s introduction of the new needs assessment tool, the Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN) version 6, was announced in September. Developed by the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies, the I-CAN tool has been utilized in the Australian disability sector for over 20 years. An NDIA spokesperson emphasized that the tool aims to create a simpler and more consistent pathway for NDIS participants, reducing human error and the need for participants to gather extensive medical evidence.

Currently, approximately 750,000 Australians rely on the NDIS for support. The government’s objective is to decrease the growth rate of new participants from 12% to 5-6% annually. The phased rollout of the I-CAN planning model will include information sessions for participants and staff to explain the new processes and expectations.

Disability rights advocates are urging for greater transparency regarding the qualifications of assessors, the treatment of independent medical evidence, and the appeals process. These concerns were echoed during an online information session for NDIA staff in Queensland on November 13, 2023, which attracted hundreds of participants. Desmond Lee, the general manager of Queensland regional services for the NDIS, highlighted that the new model is designed to enhance participant experiences by ensuring stronger assessment oversight and clearer budget rules.

The assessment process will commence with a support needs evaluation conducted by an “assessor” through a guided conversation and a structured questionnaire. Assessors will be Australian Public Service level 6 employees, and additional targeted assessments may be employed for more complex needs. Lee emphasized the critical role of NDIA staff, referred to as “delegates,” in ensuring the quality of plans generated through the I-CAN tool.

One staff member raised concerns regarding the lack of clarity about who ultimately makes funding decisions under the new framework. Lee clarified that while assessors will conduct evaluations, they will not have the authority to alter budgets generated by I-CAN. Instead, staff will only be able to request reassessments if they believe the inputs were incorrect.

As the NDIA prepares for these changes, advocates are worried about the implications for participant wellbeing, especially if assessments fail to capture individual needs. Lee acknowledged the need for specialized teams to support participants with unique challenges, such as those with psychosocial disabilities or distrust of the government.

The proposed changes come in the wake of a significant increase in appeals to the ART, with 7,132 new cases filed in the year ending June 2025, reflecting a 76% rise from the previous year. This surge has prompted scrutiny and criticism from various stakeholders, highlighting the importance of addressing participants’ concerns effectively.

The NDIA has committed to engaging with the disability community to refine the rules and policies surrounding the new approach, aiming to minimize disruption for NDIS participants. As this transformation unfolds, the balance between automation, participant rights, and effective support will be crucial in shaping the future of the NDIS.