Who Runs the NDIS? NDIA, Approved Services and Choosing a Provider

Most people come to the NDIS with one simple question: who do I actually talk to? Behind every plan sits a chain of organisations, from Parliament to the therapist who knocks on your door. Each has a different job, and knowing those roles helps you get faster answers, make better choices and spot problems early. We follow that chain from top to bottom, then look at how NDIS services are approved and how to choose a provider you can trust.

The Chain of Responsibility Behind the NDIS

The scheme works like a relay. Each organisation hands responsibility to the next.

Parliament and the Minister

The rules start with the NDIS Act, which Parliament can change. In August 2026, it passed the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act, which brings in changes to planning, claiming and provider registration over the next few years. The NDIS website sets out the timeline. The Minister for Disability now also has the power to set maximum prices for supports.

The Department

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing advises government and shapes policy. It doesn’t manage individual plans.

The National Disability Insurance Agency

The NDIA runs the scheme day to day. It decides who is eligible, builds and reviews plans, and pays providers. When a plan feels wrong, the NDIA is who you ask to review it.

Partners in the Community

Local Area Coordinators and early childhood partners are community organisations funded by the NDIA. They are often the friendly face that helps people understand and start using their plans.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

The Commission is the watchdog. It registers providers, investigates complaints and enforces standards. New laws in 2026 also created criminal offences for providers who lie on claims or offer kickbacks, which the NDIS Commission will help enforce alongside the NDIA.

How NDIS Services Get Approved

There is no single list of “approved” businesses. Instead, approval happens at two levels.

First, the support itself must be allowed. Since October 2024, the law has included lists of what does and doesn’t count as an NDIS support. The support must also be reasonable and necessary for your disability and linked to the goals in your plan. A speech therapy program for a child with a language disorder fits. A general gym membership usually does not.

Second, the provider must suit your plan. Providers registered with the NDIS Commission have passed quality and safety checks. Whether you must use a registered provider depends on how your plan is managed. NDIA-managed plans require registered providers, while self-managed and plan-managed plans usually have more choice. The NDIS guide to working with providers explains each option.

Therapy Services Commonly Funded by the NDIS

Therapy usually comes from the Capacity Building part of a plan. Common examples include:

• Occupational therapy for daily living skills, sensory needs and home safety
• Speech therapy for communication, language and swallowing
• Psychology and counselling for emotional wellbeing and mental health
• Behaviour support to understand and reduce behaviours of concern
• Dietetics for nutrition plans linked to a person’s disability
• Support coordination to help put the plan into action

As a registered NDIS provider, Australian Therapy Hub offers many of these, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, counselling, behaviour support, sensory integration therapy, play therapy, art therapy and dietetics. It also offers assessments such as functional capacity and home modification assessments, which can provide evidence for plan reviews. Sessions are available in person at your home or by telehealth. You can explore the full range on its therapy services page. Occupational therapy for NDIS participants and speech therapy services are available on ATH.

A Practical Checklist for Choosing a Provider

Before you sign up, we suggest you:

1. Confirm their registration status if your plan requires it.
2. Ask about experience with your specific disability or age group.
3. Check wait times and how often sessions can happen.
4. Ask for a written service agreement that sets out prices, cancellation rules and notice periods.
5. Clarify how they claim. From 1 December 2026, providers must lodge claims within 90 days of a support.
6. Watch for red flags, such as offers of gifts or cash to sign up, which are now illegal.

NDIS vs NDIA difference is simple.

Knowing Who to Call, and When

The NDIS can feel like a maze until you see how the pieces connect. Parliament sets the rules, the NDIA funds your plan, the Commission keeps providers accountable, and your chosen therapists deliver the support. With that map in hand, you can direct each question to the right place and choose services with real confidence.

NDIS Services FAQs

Do I need a GP referral to use NDIS therapy services?

No. If therapy is funded in your plan, you can contact a provider directly. A GP letter can still help as evidence when your plan is reviewed.

Can NDIS services be delivered by telehealth?

Yes. Many therapists offer video sessions, which can be claimed when the support is part of your plan. Telehealth suits people in regional areas or those who find travel difficult.

Can I switch providers partway through my plan?

Yes. You can change providers at any time. Check your service agreement for any notice period, and give written notice to your current provider.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always do your own research before you invest.