The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is growing up. Like any system built to change lives, it’s getting a crash course in learning how to do things better. The latest NDIA Annual Report for 2024–25, written by the NDIS, paints a picture of small progress and more setbacks: a Scheme that’s getting stronger financially, becoming more inclusive, but still working hard to deliver the seamless, person-centred experience participants deserve. For many people with disability and the providers who support them this annual review feels less like a step forward and more like déjà vu.
While the NDIA’s 2024–25 Annual Report talks about sustainability, reform and progress, participants on the ground are still waiting for something more meaningful: timely plans, and fair funding that represents their disability and genuine choice and control.
Let’s unpack what the latest numbers mean, plus what they tell us about where the NDIS is heading next.
A New Direction for the NDIS
This year, the NDIA updated its Corporate Plan to make sure it truly reflects the spirit of the NDIS Act, empowering people with disability to live more independent, connected lives.
Big legislative changes also came into effect in October 2024 under the Getting the NDIS Back on Track reforms. These new laws gave the NDIA more muscle to prevent misuse, fraud and abuse, important goals for a sustainable scheme.
But there’s another side to that story. While the Agency focuses on sustainability, many participants are feeling squeezed. Funding reviews are slower, approvals are stricter and people are being told to “make do” within plans that don’t meet their needs.
Participants and providers have also been hammered by allegations of fraud in the media – despite the NDIS Fraud Fusion Taskforce only launching 635 investigations since it was created in November 2022. This represents fewer than 0.1% of participants and around 4% of registered providers.
The NDIA financially achieved its targets during 2024 – 2035, including the 10.8% growth cap, but this success came with a human cost.
How did the NDIA perform in 2024–25?
There were 12 key performance measures across sustainability, participant experience, community participation and workforce diversity. Of those, 7 targets were met.
Unfortunately, the ones it missed speak directly to what matters most to participants and providers.
Participant Satisfaction
Participants report frustration with long waits, confusing decisions, and a lack of communication. This is similar to previous years issues. Despite satisfaction rising slightly during the year, it’s still well below what the public, participants and providers expect.
- Target: 76%
- Result: 62.2%
It’s clear from these numbers, participants still face hurdles when applying, getting approvals, or putting plans into action.
Participant Service Guarantee (PSG) Timeframes
We had to check this was a typo, but it’s not. Only 10% of service timeframes were met, meaning 9 out of 10 participants experienced delays in getting the decisions or reviews they were promised. For anyone waiting on plan approval, changes and new equipment, life is put on hold.
Providers feel it too. Without timely decisions, they can’t plan their staffing, manage cashflow, or offer consistent support. These ripples across the sector has lead to the ABC reporting over 600 providers closing their doors.
- Target: 80%
- Result: 10%
Due to system limits, the NDIS reported only half the Service Guarantee measures were trackable this year. The NDIA has stated its IT overhaul, once complete, should lift this figure.
Social and Community Participation
While participation crept up slightly from last year, many people are still finding it hard to stay connected to their communities.
- Target: 46%
- Result: 38.6%
While the NDIS may be surprised their efforts haven’t moved this data point, participants are not. The NDIS’ own documentation in OG Your Plan gives the example of Jonty. Jonty wanted to use his funding to volunteer and join local events, simple things that build connection and purpose (and aid them in their own goals). But because those supports weren’t listed in his plan, he had to cut back on essential personal care to make it work. Participants are expected to read a crystal ball for their upcoming plans, detailing every personal activity and community inclusion before a review.
Situations like this example show why faster plan reviews, flexible funding and matching participant service timelines guarantees are key to real participation.
Building an Inclusive Workforce – What the NDIS did well.
A bright spot? The NDIA exceeded its target for staff with disability.
- Target: 20%
- Result: 23.4%
it’s a sign that the NDIA is walking the talk when it comes to inclusion. More staff with lived experience means better understanding, better decisions and ultimately, better outcomes for participants.
Reforms That Are Changing the Game
The Getting the NDIS Back on Track legislation has already started reshaping how the NDIA operates. Numbers matter, but what matters more is what they represent.
Behind every percentage point and performance measure is a person, a goal, a story. Whether it’s Jonty trying to get back into the community, or NDIA staff with disability helping shape better participant experiences, each data point reflects real life.
The 2024–25 report shows a Scheme that’s maturing. The next challenge is turning reform into real-world results: faster plans, simpler processes, and genuine inclusion at every level.
If the NDIA can keep that focus, the 2025–26 year could be the one where the NDIS truly hits its stride.