Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler announced on April 29, 2026, that a new eligibility tool for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will be 'relatively blind' to a person's medical diagnosis. Instead, the tool will assess functional needs to determine qualification for the scheme.
Butler stated that the change aims to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens, ensuring that support is based on the actual impact of a disability on daily life rather than specific diagnostic labels. The tool is part of broader reforms to the NDIS, which have been under review to improve efficiency and sustainability.
The minister emphasized that the new approach would not exclude individuals with certain conditions but would focus on the level of support required. The exact implementation date and details of the assessment criteria have not yet been fully disclosed, but the government plans to consult with disability advocates and stakeholders.
