How NDIS Safeguarding Protects Participants from Harm

What the NDIS Integrity and Safeguarding Act 2026 means for participants and families 

On 8 April 2026, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Act 2026 received Royal Assent, giving the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission significantly stronger powers to detect, prevent and respond to harm within the Scheme. This guide explains what changed, why it matters, and what it means for participants. 

For the official overview, refer to the NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Act 2026. Overview published by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

What Is the Integrity and Safeguarding Act? 

The Act is the second major tranche of NDIS legislative reform, developed in response to the Disability Royal Commission and the Independent Review of the NDIS.  

It amends the NDIS Act 2013 to strengthen the powers of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and make several administrative changes to how the National Disability Insurance Agency operates. 

Key Changes Introduced by the Act 

⚖️ Significantly Higher Penalties  

Civil penalties for serious contraventions of the NDIS Code of Conduct have increased from around $412,500 to up to 10,000 penalty units, currently around $3.64 million per contravention.

🚫 New Criminal Offences 

It is now a criminal offence to deliver NDIS supports that require registration without being a registered provider — closing a gap that previously lets unregistered providers operate in higher-risk categories.

📢 Anti-Promotion 

Orders the NDIS Commissioner can now order a provider to stop certain promotional or marketing conduct that undermines Scheme integrity or misleads participants, including while an investigation is underway.

🗣️ Stronger Whistleblower Protections 

Whistleblowers no longer need to provide their name or prove they acted in good faith to be protected. Disclosing a protected whistleblower’s identity now carries its own civil penalty.

🚪 90-Day Cooling-Off Period 

Participants who decide to leave the NDIS now have additional safeguards and communication options, including a new cooling-off period before their exit is finalised.

💻 Electronic Claiming System 

The NDIA can now move to a fully electronic claiming system, reducing manual “off-system” claims, improving fraud detection and speeding up processing for providers and participants alike. 

Why These Changes Were Introduced 

The reforms respond directly to findings from the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and the Independent Review of the NDIS.  

Both reviews identified gaps in the Commission’s ability to act quickly against providers who put participants at risk, and weaknesses in protections for people who report wrongdoing. 

What This Means for Participants and Families 

🙋 If You Use an Unregistered Provider  

As mandatory registration expands, check whether the support you receive falls into a category that now requires registration. If your current provider is unregistered and offers support that requires it, they’ll need to register, or you may need to look elsewhere. 

📋 If You’re Considering Leaving the NDIS  

You now have additional communication safeguards and a cooling-off period before your exit takes effect, giving you more time and information to make sure the decision is right for you. 

🏛️ If You Want to Report a Concern  

Whistleblower protections are stronger than ever. You, a family member, or a support worker, can raise a concern about a provider without needing to prove good faith or provide your name, and your identity is now protected by law. 

How Senami Supports You 

As a registered NDIS provider, Senami takes safeguarding seriously — both in how we deliver support and how we help participants understand their protections under the new laws. 

We can help with: 

• Understanding whether a provider you’re considering is appropriately registered 

• Explaining what to do if you have concerns about the quality or safety of a support 

• Connecting you with the NDIS Commission’s complaints process where needed 

• Reviewing your service agreements in line with the strengthened Code of Conduct 

Also, if you’re looking for support beyond the NDIS, Senami also offers home care packages, providing personalised in-home support to help older Australians maintain their independence and quality of life. 

Talk to Senami About Your NDIS Options Today 

The 2026 NDIS reforms are designed to strengthen participant safety, improve provider accountability, and raise the quality of support across the sector. If you have questions about how these changes may affect you or a loved one, Senami is here to help. 

Our experienced team can explain the new requirements, answer your questions, and help you navigate your NDIS options with confidence. 

Schedule a call with Senami today to discuss your circumstances and get the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your support.