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# Four Key Changes to Save the NDIS: Firmer Boundaries, Better Claim Management, Foundational Supports, and a New National Agreement The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been a lifeline for many Australians with disabilities since its inception in 2013. However, as the scheme has grown, so have concerns about its long-term financial sustainability. In a recent report, the Grattan Institute has proposed four major reforms that could help save the NDIS and ensure it continues to support those who need it most. These changes include firmer boundaries, better claim management, foundational supports, and a new national agreement. According to the [Grattan Institute](https://grattan.edu.au/report/saving-the-ndis/), these reforms could save the NDIS up to $5 billion per year by 2030. ## Firmer Boundaries and Eligibility Criteria One of the key recommendations from the Grattan Institute is to establish firmer boundaries and eligibility criteria for the NDIS. This would involve tightening the definition of "reasonable and necessary" supports to ensure that only those with significant and permanent disabilities receive funding. As reported by [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/30/saving-the-ndis-national-disability-insurance-scheme-grattan-report-recommendations-ntwnfb), this could potentially impact current participants who may no longer meet the stricter criteria. However, the Grattan Institute argues that these changes are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme. By focusing on those with the greatest needs, the NDIS can better allocate its resources and provide more targeted support. This aligns with the original vision of the NDIS as a safety net for those with significant and permanent disabilities, rather than a broad-based welfare program. ## Improved Claim Management and Budgeting Another key recommendation from the Grattan Institute is to improve claim management and budgeting within the NDIS. This would involve streamlining the claims process, reducing administrative costs, and implementing better oversight to prevent fraud and misuse of funds. According to [ABC News](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-29/grattan-institute-ndis-report-foundational-supports-reform/105440946), improved claim management could save the NDIS up to $1.5 billion per year by 2030. One potential solution is to explore creative funding models, such as co-payments or means testing for certain supports. This could help ensure that NDIS funds are targeted towards those who need them most, while also encouraging participants to be more judicious in their use of supports. However, any changes to funding models would need to be carefully considered to avoid placing undue financial burdens on participants and their families. ## Foundational Supports Explained The concept of "foundational supports" is a key component of the Grattan Institute's recommendations. As defined by the [NDIS Review Panel](https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/resources/fact-sheet/foundational-supports-all-people-disability?utm_source=chatgpt.com), foundational supports are "the essential building blocks that all people with disability need to live an ordinary life." These supports include things like assistive technology, home modifications, and personal care. The Grattan Institute argues that by prioritizing foundational supports, the NDIS can better meet the needs of participants while also controlling costs. However, implementing this approach may be challenging, as it would require a significant shift in how the NDIS currently operates. As noted by [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-reasonable-and-necessary-and-foundational-supports-heres-what-the-ndis-review-says-216074?utm_source=chatgpt.com), there is still some confusion around the difference between "reasonable and necessary" supports and foundational supports. To learn more about the types of services and supports currently funded by the NDIS, check out our comprehensive guide: [Your Ultimate Guide to NDIS-Funded Services and Supports](/posts/your-ultimate-guide-to-ndis-funded-services-and-supports-f10e9bc6). ## A New National Disability Agreement The final key recommendation from the Grattan Institute is to establish a new National Disability Agreement between the federal and state governments. This agreement would clarify the roles and responsibilities of each level of government in funding and delivering disability services, and ensure a more coordinated approach to supporting people with disabilities. According to the [Grattan Institute](https://grattan.edu.au/rebalance-services-for-disabled-australians-to-save-the-ndis/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), a new National Disability Agreement could save the NDIS up to $1 billion per year by 2030, by reducing duplication and inefficiencies in the current system. It would also provide greater certainty and stability for the NDIS, by ensuring a long-term funding commitment from all levels of government. However, negotiating a new agreement will require significant political will and collaboration between the federal and state governments. It will also need to balance the needs and priorities of different stakeholders, including people with disabilities, service providers, and taxpayers. ## Conclusion and Future Implications The Grattan Institute's recommendations for saving the NDIS represent a significant shift in how the scheme currently operates. While some of the proposed changes may be challenging to implement, they offer a potential path forward for ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the NDIS. As the NDIS continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor the impacts of any reforms on participants and their families. This includes ensuring that people with disabilities continue to receive the supports they need to live full and meaningful lives, while also balancing the financial realities of the scheme. For more information on recent changes and updates to the NDIS, check out our other blog posts: - [NDIS SIL 2025: Changes, Impacts, and Opportunities](/posts/understanding-ndis-sil-2025-changes-impacts-and-opportunities-64be0539) - [NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025](/posts/understanding-ndis-travel-pricing-changes-for-therapy-providers-in-2025-4b1f3b7f) - [Understanding the October 2024 NDIS Legislative Changes](/posts/understanding-the-october-2024-ndis-legislative-changes-5d85c755) - [Understanding the 2024 NDIS Updates: Approved Disabilities](/posts/understanding-the-2024-ndis-updates-approved-disabilities-and-support-changes-1681e7fe) - [Mastering NDIS Travel Cost Claims: A Provider's Guide](/posts/mastering-ndis-travel-cost-claims-a-providers-guide-f77ae3d6) Ultimately, the goal of any reforms to the NDIS should be to ensure that it remains a world-leading disability support system that empowers people with disabilities to live their best lives. By working together and making difficult but necessary changes, we can help secure the future of the NDIS for generations to come. ## References 1. [Saving the NDIS: How to rebalance disability services to get better results](https://grattan.edu.au/report/saving-the-ndis/) 2. [Four key changes to save the NDIS from a projected $60bn blowout, according to a new report](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/30/saving-the-ndis-national-disability-insurance-scheme-grattan-report-recommendations-ntwnfb) 3. [Grattan Institute report proposes NDIS reform through foundational supports, stricter eligibility](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-29/grattan-institute-ndis-report-foundational-supports-reform/105440946) 4. [Fact sheet: Foundational supports for all people with disability](https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/resources/fact-sheet/foundational-supports-all-people-disability) 5. [What's the difference between 'reasonable and necessary' and 'foundational supports'? Here's what the NDIS review says](https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-reasonable-and-necessary-and-foundational-supports-heres-what-the-ndis-review-says-216074) 6. [Rebalance services for disabled Australians to save the NDIS](https://grattan.edu.au/rebalance-services-for-disabled-australians-to-save-the-ndis/) 7. [Delivering on our commitment to a better NDIS](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10100-delivering-our-commitment-better-ndis)

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Four Key Changes to Save the NDIS: Firmer Boundaries, Better Claim Management, Foundational Supports, and a New National Agreement

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Four Key Changes to Save the NDIS: Firmer Boundaries, Better Claim Management, Foundational Supports, and a New National Agreement