There is a significant proposed reform agenda for the disability sector in Australia, bringing together recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review, Australia’s Disability Strategy and state and territory disability action plans. To support governments to design and deliver the reform agenda, this paper maps core elements of the reform agenda to a Disability Reform Action Plan. The plan considers areas such as system design, foundational supports, quality and safety regulations, pricing and payments, market management, and workforce development.

Key recommendations

• Engage with people with disability, their families, carers and kin, sector workers, providers and the community.
• Ensure smooth implementation of reforms by addressing barriers and implementing key initiatives through immediate and ongoing action.
• Resolve uncertainty around Foundational Supports and services delivered outside the NDIS.
• Ensure clear governance structures that support robust co–design and stakeholder engagement.
• Implement a comprehensive, multi-channel communication plan.
• Support stakeholders to plan for transition.
• Ensure safeguarding legislation and regulations are implemented in stages with clearly communicated lead times.
• Put in place detailed risk mitigation strategies for digital transition and workforce reforms.