Correction and update — 17 September 2026: The earlier article incorrectly called the Bill law in May 2026 and repeated a generic July–October schedule as though every consultation remained open. The Bill was introduced in May, passed Parliament on 19 August and received Royal Assent on 20 August. This update uses the department’s September timeline and removes unsupported claims about a single January 2028 start for all reforms.
TL;DR
- The reform Act received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026 [1].
- Some measures began on 27 August; others have later commencement dates [2].
- Consultation closing dates differ by topic. Several consultations have already closed [2].
- This guide reflects official information reviewed on 17 September 2026.
The legislation has passed, but commencement is staged
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill was introduced on 14 May 2026. The department records a committee report on 14 August, passage through Parliament on 19 August and Royal Assent on 20 August [1]. Introduction, passage and commencement are different milestones.
The current timeline places tighter criteria for unscheduled plan reassessments, new claims record requirements and stronger compliance and enforcement powers on 27 August. It lists further changes through 2030 [2]. Do not use the date of Royal Assent as the commencement date for every measure.
Remaining consultations in September and October
As at 17 September, the published timeline lists these closing dates [2]:
| Topic | Scheduled close |
|---|---|
| Expanding differentiated pricing for unregistered providers | 30 September 2026 |
| New eligibility assessment process | 2 October 2026 |
| Support coordination and connection | 2 October 2026 |
| Updated new framework planning rules | 14 October 2026 |
The Inclusive Communities Fund consultation is listed as concluding on 31 August, and commissioning Supported Independent Living on 13 September [2]. Check the individual consultation page for the current closing time and submission requirements before preparing a response.
How to contribute
The department's consultation announcement describes written submissions, video including Auslan, email and a requested phone call. It says consultation materials will be available in Auslan and Easy Read [3]. The applicable consultation page is the place to confirm the available formats for a particular topic.
A useful submission explains the practical issue, who it affects and what change would help. Participants can describe support needs and barriers; providers can explain service delivery or pricing effects. Avoid including another person's private information without permission.
What happens next
The current timeline schedules the phased start of Thriving Kids and progressive resets of specified support budgets from 1 October 2026. New framework planning begins transitioning participants from 1 April 2027, while access changes for new applicants are scheduled from 1 January 2028 [2].
These are distinct reforms. For details affecting an individual plan, use the department and NDIA guidance and the communications sent directly to the participant. The timeline itself says it will be updated as further dates are confirmed [2].
FAQ
Q: Did the Bill become law in May? No. It was introduced in May, passed Parliament on 19 August and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026 [1].
Q: Are all consultations open until October? No. They have separate closing dates, and some had already closed by 17 September [2].
Q: Do all reforms start in January 2028? No. The official timeline spans multiple dates, including measures that began in August 2026 [2].
References
[1] Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, updated 4 September 2026. NDIS legislation: passage and Royal Assent.
[2] Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, updated 15 September 2026. NDIS reform implementation timeline.
[3] Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 4 June 2026. Update on public consultation.