What Labor’s election win means for the NDIS and people with disability

With Labor securing another term in the 2025 Federal Election, the National Disability Insurance Scheme is set to continue under the party’s stewardship. However, recent reforms and budgetary measures have sparked important discussions about the future direction of the scheme.

These concerns include funding allocations, eligibility reviews and whether the NDIS can keep delivering on its promise of choice and control for people with disability.

For many families, support workers and participants, the question is no longer just about what the scheme offers but who it includes and leaves out.

NDIS reforms: balancing sustainability with support

The Albanese Government passed the NDIS Amendment Act in 2024, introducing measures to slow the scheme’s growth while tightening how plans are reviewed and adjusted. The reforms were designed to make the scheme more sustainable, with projected savings of $14.4 billion dollars over four years.

Among the changes: a shift away from automatic plan top-ups and new powers for the NDIA to align plan budgets more closely with standardised benchmarks. While the government described the reforms as necessary, some advocacy groups, like People With Disability Australia, argued the changes could limit flexibility and make it harder for people with complex needs to access adequate support.

A slower-growing NDIS: budget measures explained

In the 2025 – ‘26 Federal Budget, Labor laid out plans to cap NDIS growth at eight percent each year from 2026. Additional funding has been committed to fraud prevention and foundational supports outside the scheme, including:

• fraud-detection systems allocated $175 million;
• funding for non-NDIS supports; and
• a commitment to more ‘consistent’ budgeting for participants.

While these measures aim to protect the scheme’s future, they’ve also sparked concern. The Disability Advocacy Network of Australia said that tighter controls may be pushing some participants out and leaving others with reduced funding, even when their support needs haven’t changed.

Thousands reassessed out of the scheme

One of the most significant concerns is the number of people losing access to the NDIS altogether. Over 12,000 participants were sent letters to be reassessed for the NDIS between July and September of 2024, with over 50 percent found ineligible for continued support according to The Australian.

The government has floated the idea of ‘foundational supports’ for those who don’t meet NDIS eligibility. Still, details remain vague and disability organisations are calling for more clarity and urgency to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

What can NDIS participants do?

If you or a loved one is concerned about what these changes mean, here are a few proactive steps to protect your plan and support:

1. Stay informed

Keep up with updates from the NDIS and speak regularly with your plan manager or support coordinator. If you’re selected for reassessment, prepare early.

2. Use your plan flexibly

If your current provider is struggling or you need alternatives, tools like the Disability Support Guide can help you search and compare NDIS-registered services in your area by type and location.

3. Prepare for reviews

Make sure assessments and reports from your allied health team are current and clearly explain your needs. Strong documentation can make a big difference during plan reviews.

4. Seek advocacy

Organisations like PWDA, AFDO or your local advocacy group can assist if you’re struggling with appeals or plan changes.

Looking ahead: reform or retrenchment?

Labor’s election win brings continuity, but also questions. While the government says it’s building a ‘fairer, more sustainable NDIS,’ participants and providers are watching closely to ensure that cost control doesn’t come at the expense of inclusion.

With further reforms expected in the coming year, the message for participants is clear: stay engaged, know your rights and use the tools available to protect your access to essential support.

What do you think about the sustainability of the NDIS? Let the team at Talking Disability know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

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