Submission: NDIS Supports rules

The NDIS Supports rules so far 

In October 2024, new legislation for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was implemented and a set of temporary rules and guidelines were put in place by the government to navigate this period while the final rules were created. As we get closer to the final rules, the DSS has requested community input into how the rules shape the lives of people with disability and how they affect providers working with NDIS participants. 

As these rules are used to determine what can be funded under the NDIS, we have made sure we have represented you.  

What we said  

• The NDIS Supports lists are prescriptive, yet interpretation of them varies. Osteopathy falls within the scope of Therapeutic Supports however we have seen increased numbers of funding rejections. 

• Practical principles should be created. A set of practical principles should be created and used alongside the NDIS Supports list, to assist participants and providers in navigating the NDIS. 

• The NDIS Operational Guidelines and how they are applied need to be more transparent. Clear and transparent guidelines would assist in the interpretation and application of the NDIS Supports rules.  

• Supporting examples and case studies will increase understanding of the rules. Alongside clearer guidelines, case studies and examples would reduce confusion for participants and providers and ultimately result in a more efficient NDIS. 

In summary 

The interpretation of the NDIS Supports rules lacks continuity across the disability sector, leading to inconsistent funding for osteopaths working with NDIS participants. The government has committed to maintaining the NDIS Supports rules so we recommended that better resources are created, and encouraged greater transparency from the NDIA so both participants and providers can more easily navigate the NDIS. We continue to advocate for greater recognition of osteopathy’s role in the NDIS. 

You can read our full submission here.