National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Miller-Frost argued the bill rectified ten years of systemic failures inherited from the previous government, which oversaw 22 per cent annual growth. Miller-Frost highlighted the introduction of an aggravated contravention category with fines up to $16.5 million for corporations and jail terms for serious breaches. Miller-Frost noted the expansion of banning orders to include consultants and auditors, and strengthened information-gathering powers for the commission. Miller-Frost emphasised that the bill protects participants while acknowledging the majority of providers act with integrity.

Webster criticised the government for failing to improve fiscal sustainability without undermining service quality in regional Australia. Webster argued the bill did not directly regulate the 94 per cent of unregistered providers and lacked safeguards for participants facing digital barriers. Webster stated that allied health access was strained by changes to travel payments and fuel costs. Webster contended the legislation centralised power and removed accountability, failing to provide the trust and transparency needed for a sustainable NDIS.

Jarrett supported the bill as a measure to protect vulnerable people and uphold social justice values. Jarrett noted the government had invested over $550 million in fraud prevention, including the Fraud Fusion Taskforce. Jarrett argued that the bill cleans up the sector by strengthening penalties and banning orders to stop exploitation. Jarrett emphasised the importance of ongoing consultation with the disability community to ensure the scheme remains safe and operates with integrity.

Rebello stated the coalition would support the bill to improve integrity and protect participants. Rebello highlighted constituent experiences of high costs and bureaucratic difficulties, noting that unregistered providers often charged exorbitant fees. Rebello argued the bill did not provide direct regulation for the 94 per cent of unregistered providers. Rebello called for greater accountability to ensure taxpayer money was used effectively for those with genuine needs.

Berry drew on her background in disability advocacy to support the bill, which strengthens the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Berry noted the Australian National Audit Office found previous systems lacked prevention controls for fraud. Berry highlighted the bill's expansion of banning orders and restrictions on misleading promotional conduct. Berry argued the reforms address findings from the disability royal commission and ensure providers face consequences for misconduct.

Penfold acknowledged the bill introduced sensible measures like stronger penalties and expanded commission powers. However, she argued it fell short in confronting systemic exploitation and exorbitant fees charged by some providers. Penfold cited constituent reports of providers billing for undelivered services and misleading claims. Penfold called for more decisive action, including real-time auditing and stricter provider registration requirements, to restore integrity and sustainability.

Ng supported the bill to protect the NDIS from exploitation and ensure long-term sustainability. Ng noted the scheme faced 22 per cent annual growth when the government took office. Ng highlighted the tiered penalty framework and extended banning powers to auditors and consultants. Ng argued the bill builds trust by ensuring every taxpayer dollar is spent on improving lives, rather than funding fraudulent activities.

Coker argued the bill delivers tough new laws to protect participants from fraud and misconduct. Coker highlighted that failing to comply with a banning order or operating without mandatory registration would now carry criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Coker noted the substantial increase in financial penalties for serious breaches and the introduction of anti-promotion orders. Coker emphasised that the reforms close loopholes regarding auditors and consultants, restoring integrity to the system.

Jordan-Baird commended the bill for cracking down on fraud and misconduct by providers. Jordan-Baird cited examples of providers intimidating participants or offering inappropriate incentives. Jordan-Baird argued the bill strengthens the NDIS Code of Conduct and increases punishments for significant failures. Jordan-Baird stated the reforms protect the dignity of participants and ensure the scheme works for those it is designed to assist.