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Yesterday, for the first time, the Minister issued the new schedule formalising June’s NDIS price guidance. A proposed split between registered and unregistered providers is still to come.

NDIS Minister Mark Butler has made the first ministerial pricing determination under the new NDIS laws. The price schedules took effect yesterday and set maximum prices for NDIS supports.

The NDIA says the limits reflect its June guidance. Maximum prices apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants.

The immediate change is who makes the binding decision. Butler now holds the price-setting power. The government is separately consulting on different prices for registered and unregistered providers. The NDIA-recommended January start has not been adopted in this determination.

What to watch next: The decision on differentiated pricing and any revision to the schedule after SCHADS award changes begin on 1 December.

Price cap scope: The NDIA says its new 2026–27 pricing schedules cap amounts paid for supports to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. They include a separate specialist disability accommodation schedule effective 24 September; updated claiming guidance is still to be published.

Budget reset guide: The department’s funding changes page explains the previously announced reset.

Funding examples: The NDIA’s Would we fund it guide shows how planners typically assess commonly requested supports, including wheelchair modifications and sensory equipment. Continuing reference: the page is marked current as of 2 September.

Auslan explanations: The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing published two Auslan videos on 24 September explaining the coming support-budget reductions. The safeguards video includes a written transcript; it explains existing rules.

Rights scorecard: People with Disability Australia says it will use findings from a disability-rights forum to develop a scorecard assessing Australia’s implementation of the UN disability convention. PWDA argues consultation gives people with disability little power when decisions are settled before they are heard.

Country therapy: Royal Far West provides NDIS services for children aged two to 12 in rural and remote communities. Its immersion option has offered a week of tailored therapy in Manly. Families should enquire about current places.

Forum recording: People with Disability Australia has published the recording of its 18 September NDIS changes forum and links to further information.

Work access: In The Conversation, University of Birmingham researcher Rachel Hewett draws on 11 years following 80 young people with vision impairment. She describes an inaccessible job market, but the findings concern the UK and should not be presented as Australian survey results.

Butler blasts Queensland over Thriving Kids holdout

Health Services Daily reports that Butler says officials have begun discussing foundational supports for children over nine and adults who may not qualify for the NDIS, including people with psychosocial disability. That extends the debate beyond the under-nine Thriving Kids program. Queensland’s acting disability minister Ros Bates says there’s pressure on schools and hospitals.

Source: Health Services Daily | Paywall: No

‘Not an upgrade for everyone’: Melbourne Airport changes to add half an hour to disability travel times

The Age reports that Melbourne Airport will move pick-up and drop-off to zones 172–380 metres from terminals on 6 October. Traveller Suzanne Cridge estimates the longer journey will add at least 30 minutes; advocates fear greater reliance on assistance. The airport says it will extend its free assist service and provide designated accessible spaces. Read the report.

Local Mothers Rally For Families With Complex Needs Amid NDIS Reform

Mackay and Whitsunday Life profiles Lisa and Haylee ahead of a 26 September rally at Bluewater Quay. Both worry reform will overlook families needing intensive support. Haylee says her son receives less assistance than his professional team recommends. Read the report.

Joondalup developer scraps 18 NDIS apartments from $25m project as construction costs rise

PerthNow reports that planners approved changes replacing 18 proposed specialist disability apartments with 22 standard apartments in a Joondalup development. The developer cited the cost of managing NDIS dwellings. Read the report.

Desperate Victorian mum slams NDIS after $1.25m severe autism safe haven rejected

AdelaideNow reports that a Victorian mother’s proposed $1.25 million safe haven for people with severe autism was rejected. Read the report. Paywall.

But, if you have a moment for a good news story . . .

A moment that changed me: my brother gave me an unexpected gift – and a whole new life at sea

Bethany Handley writes in The Guardian about returning to surfing in the UK after losing the use of her legs. Her brother adapted a board with handles and trained as a coach; she also describes the difficulty of getting a wheelchair user across a beach. Read her essay.