NDIS Committee Holds First Public Hearings 2025: Key Insights and Implications

# NDIS Committee Holds First Public Hearings 2025: Key Insights and Implications In a pivotal move towards greater accountability and transparency, the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) held its first public hearings in 2025. These hearings form part of the Committee's annual report process to Parliament and are pivotal in driving evidence-based improvements to the NDIS. [aph.gov.au](https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/AnnualReport_1_48th/Public_Hearings?utm_source=openai) ## Key Stakeholders and Testimonies The hearings saw a diverse range of stakeholders provide valuable insights, including the Committee Chair, Libby Coker MP from the Corangamite federal electorate, [timesnewsgroup.com.au](https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/bellarinetimes/news/ndis-committee-holds-public-hearings/?utm_source=openai) as well as people with disability, [timesnewsgroup.com.au](https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/bellarinetimes/news/ndis-committee-holds-public-hearings/?utm_source=openai) disability advocates, service providers, and policy experts. The Committee received at least 12 written submissions, including warnings from National Disability Services about provider viability risks and calls from the Nobody Worse Off Coalition for scheme sustainability measures. [timesnewsgroup.com.au](https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/bellarinetimes/news/ndis-committee-holds-public-hearings/?utm_source=openai) ## Outcomes and Recommendations The Committee's mandate is to inquire into and report on the implementation, performance, governance, administration, and expenditure of the NDIS, including annual reports of the NDIA and NDIS QSC. [aph.gov.au](https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/AnnualReport_1_48th/Public_Hearings?utm_source=openai) Based on the testimony and submissions received, the Committee is expected to make a series of recommendations to improve the scheme's sustainability, accessibility, and participant outcomes. These may include measures to address provider viability, streamline access processes, and enhance support for people with complex needs. ## Implications for Participants and Providers The outcomes of the public hearings are likely to have significant implications for NDIS participants and service providers alike. Potential changes could include: - Adjustments to NDIS pricing arrangements and the introduction of new support categories to better reflect the true costs of service delivery. [ndis.gov.au](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements?utm_source=openai) - Refinements to the planning process, such as the development of flexible budgets and a streamlined support needs assessment, to improve participant experience. [ndis.gov.au](https://www.ndis.gov.au/community/making-ndis-stronger-together/co-designing-reform/participant-pathway-experience?utm_source=openai) - Establishment of new advisory committees to embed lived experience in policy development and ensure evidence-based decision-making. [dss.gov.au](https://www.dss.gov.au/ndis-reform-advisory-committee?utm_source=openai), [dss.gov.au](https://www.dss.gov.au/ndis-evidence-advisory-committee?utm_source=openai) ## Conclusion and Future Outlook The 2025 NDIS public hearings have provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and insights, shaping the future direction of the scheme. By addressing key challenges and implementing evidence-based reforms, the Committee's recommendations have the potential to drive meaningful improvements in the lives of NDIS participants and the sustainability of the program. As the NDIS continues to evolve, it is essential that the voices of people with disability, their families, and service providers remain at the forefront of decision-making. To stay up-to-date on the latest NDIS developments and access personalized support, be sure to engage with Sandi, your virtual assistant, at [sandi.app](https://sandi.app). ## References 1. [NDIS Pricing Arrangements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/pricing-arrangements) 2. [NDIS Applying to Access the NDIS](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis) 3. [Parliamentary Committee Public Hearings](https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/AnnualReport_1_48th/Public_Hearings) 4. [NDIS Annual Report 2023-24](https://www.ndis.gov.au/publications/annual-report) 5. [NDIS Participant Pathway Experience](https://www.ndis.gov.au/community/making-ndis-stronger-together/co-designing-reform/participant-pathway-experience) 6. [NDIS Reform Advisory Committee](https://www.dss.gov.au/ndis-reform-advisory-committee) 7. [NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee](https://www.dss.gov.au/ndis-evidence-advisory-committee)