The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing released a feedback report in January 2026 that reveals serious concerns from the disability sector about proposed NDIS planning framework changes. The report summarises feedback from Disability Representative Organisations, providers, and stakeholders collected between September and December 2025.
The findings show significant anxiety about the I-CAN assessment tool, assessor qualifications, budget transparency, and implementation timelines. NDIS providers need to understand these concerns and prepare now.
For background on the overall framework changes, read our guide: NDIS 2026 Framework Changes: Essential Provider Compliance.
Major Concerns Raised by the Sector
I-CAN Assessment Tool Validity
The Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN) drew substantial criticism from stakeholders. Providers questioned whether the tool can accurately capture complex, changing conditions and progressive disabilities.
Key concerns include:
- Lack of evidence the tool has been tested with diverse populations including First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and rural populations
- Questions about whether non-allied health staff can use the tool for complex needs
- Worry that I-CAN’s focus on daily support needs might miss capacity-building requirements
- Unclear adaptation process for different age groups
Assessor Qualifications and Training Gaps
The sector expressed serious concern about who will conduct assessments. Providers want to know if assessors will be NDIA staff or allied health professionals. The lack of clarity creates uncertainty about assessment quality.
Stakeholders said assessors need knowledge about different disabilities, understanding of different cultures, and official registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Concerns were raised about not having enough trained workers in rural and remote areas.
Budget Setting Transparency
Financial aspects of the new framework generated substantial anxiety. Providers worry that the I-CAN assessment tool might replace or reduce funding for allied health reports. Stakeholders said they do not understand how rules will decide funding or how I-CAN scores will translate into budget amounts.
Critical unanswered questions include:
- Will participants have to pay for assessments from their plans?
- How will budgets be calculated?
- Which supports are flexible and which are fixed?
- How quickly can changes be made when needs change?
Multiple organisations worried about insufficient services in some areas. They fear participants losing funding if they cannot spend budgets because services are not available.
Consultation Process Criticisms
Perhaps most concerning, stakeholders criticised the consultation process itself. Multiple submissions said they felt consultation processes were not transparent and felt tokenistic. Providers expressed frustration that engagement with the disability community is limited and some decisions appear to be made before consulting.
The timing of I-CAN assessment tool procurement did not allow time for comprehensive consultations with the sector. Stakeholders felt self-reported evidence is dismissed, creating distrust in the process.
What These Concerns Mean for Your Organisation
The feedback report reveals significant uncertainty across the disability sector. For NDIS providers, these concerns translate into concrete operational challenges:
Preparation Uncertainty: Without clear information about assessment processes, assessor qualifications, and budget calculation methods, providers struggle to prepare adequately.
Participant Relationship Risks: If participants receive assessments that do not accurately reflect their needs, providers may face difficult conversations about reduced or changed funding.
Compliance Complexity: The new framework will require updated policies, procedures, staff training, and documentation practices. Providers need to prepare these changes without complete information.
Competitive Positioning: Providers who prepare early and strategically will maintain advantages during the transition. Those who wait may struggle with compliance and service delivery disruptions.
How to Prepare Your Organisation Now
Despite the uncertainty, NDIS providers can take concrete preparation steps:
Review Documentation Practices: Audit your existing participant files to ensure comprehensive support need documentation. VCCG’s internal audit services provide systematic reviews of documentation practices and compliance readiness.
Implement Staff Training: Begin training staff about new framework principles and assessment processes. VCCG’s workshops and training programs provide staff education on the latest NDIS requirements.
Strengthen Financial Systems: The new budget structure requires sophisticated financial tracking. VCCG’s Virtual CFO services assist with financial planning under new funding arrangements.
Conduct Compliance Gap Analysis: Review your organisation’s readiness for the new framework. VCCG’s compliance health checks identify gaps in current practices and procedures.
Monitor Consultation Processes: The Department will run public consultation on new framework planning rules in early 2026. Participate in these consultations and provide feedback based on your operational experience.
VCCG’s Support for Framework Transition
The planning framework changes represent the most significant NDIS reform since the scheme’s launch. Providers who prepare strategically with expert guidance will maintain competitive advantages and ensure compliance throughout the transition.
VCCG specialises in helping NDIS providers respond to regulatory changes and maintain operational excellence. Our services include internal audits, compliance health checks, Virtual CFO support, staff training programs, and business setup guidance.
Don’t Wait Until Public Consultation Begins
The feedback report reveals significant concerns across the disability sector about the new planning framework. These concerns reflect real operational challenges that will affect every NDIS provider.
Organisations that prepare strategically with expert guidance will thrive during this transition. Those that wait may struggle with compliance requirements and competitive disadvantages.
Book a consultation with VCCG today. Our team specialises in helping NDIS providers respond to regulatory changes, maintain compliance, and position for growth.
Contact VCCG to discuss how we can support your organisation through the planning framework transition. Start preparing now.
About VCCG: Vertex Consulting & Compliance Group specialises in NDIS compliance, internal audits, and business advisory services for disability service providers across Australia. With extensive experience in NDIS regulations and practical provider support, VCCG helps organisations maintain compliance, prepare for audits, and achieve sustainable growth.