The NDIS is undergoing a major transformation, with plans to replace Support Coordinators and Local Area Coordinators (LACs) with a new role—Navigators. This shift aims to create a more integrated, participant-focused support system that eliminates fragmentation and ensures that every participant receives consistent, high-quality support.
This reform is part of the broader NDIS Review recommendations, which identified inefficiencies in the current system and proposed a new approach to simplify access to services and reduce conflicts of interest.
What Are NDIS Navigators?
NDIS Navigators will take over the responsibilities of:
✔️ Support Coordinators – Who help participants implement their NDIS plans
✔️ Local Area Coordinators (LACs) – Who currently assist participants in understanding and accessing the scheme
✔️ Early Childhood Partners – Who specialize in supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities
The goal is to create a single point of contact for participants, simplifying the process and ensuring continuity of care.
Why Is NDIS Making This Change?
The NDIS Review (2023) found several issues with the current Support Coordination model, including:
❌ Fragmentation of services – Participants often deal with multiple providers and struggle to coordinate care effectively.
❌ Conflicts of interest – Many Support Coordinators are employed by providers who also offer other NDIS services, creating bias in service recommendations.
❌ Inconsistent quality of support – A lack of standardized training and regulation led to varying levels of service quality.
❌ Lack of long-term accountability – Support Coordinators often focus on short-term goals, leaving participants without sustainable, long-term planning.
To address these concerns, NDIS Navigators will be introduced as government-funded, independent advisors who will support participants holistically, ensuring they receive the right services at the right time.
How Will NDIS Navigators Work?
Under the new model, NDIS Navigators will:
✅ Provide long-term, independent support – Ensuring participants receive unbiased guidance
✅ Assist with plan implementation – Helping participants access appropriate services
✅ Improve access to early intervention supports – Especially for children with disabilities
✅ Be a single point of contact – Reducing the confusion of dealing with multiple providers
✅ Help navigate mainstream & community services – Not just NDIS-funded supports
Unlike Support Coordinators, Navigators will be directly funded by the NDIA, reducing out-of-pocket costs for participants and eliminating conflicts of interest.
Transition Timeline
The transition from Support Coordinators to Navigators is expected to take place gradually over the next few years. The NDIA is currently co-designing the role of Navigators with participants, families, and disability sector stakeholders, ensuring that the change is smooth and beneficial for all involved.
Key updates on implementation timelines will be released by the NDIA in mid-to-late 2024, with pilot programs expected to begin in 2025.
Impact on Current Support Coordinators & Providers
The transition from Support Coordinators to Navigators is expected to reshape the industry, with both challenges and opportunities for providers.
🔹 Support Coordinators may need to transition into Navigator roles or other NDIS-related positions.
🔹 Providers who offer Support Coordination as part of their services may need to adjust business models to comply with the new regulations.
🔹 NDIS funding models will shift, with Navigator services being directly funded, rather than coming out of participant plans.
How Careable Is Preparing for This Change
At Careable, we are staying ahead of these changes to ensure our participants continue to receive the highest quality support.
✔️ Providing up-to-date information on NDIS reforms
✔️ Helping participants transition smoothly to the new Navigator model
✔️ Advocating for participant choice and control throughout the transition
✔️ Ensuring compliance with all new NDIA regulations
Learn more about how Careable supports NDIS participants.
Why This Matters for NDIS Participants & Providers
The transition to NDIS Navigators is one of the biggest structural changes to the NDIS system. For participants, it means:
✅ More independent support – No conflicts of interest
✅ Better service coordination – One point of contact for all NDIS needs
✅ Improved plan outcomes – Focus on long-term success, not just immediate needs
For providers, it means:
✅ Adjusting to new regulations
✅ Navigating changes in funding structures
✅ Exploring new opportunities in the NDIS ecosystem
The key takeaway? The NDIS is evolving, and staying informed is essential for both participants and providers.
Need Support Navigating the NDIS? Contact Careable Today!
At Careable, we help NDIS participants and providers stay up to date with NDIS changes, reforms, and funding opportunities.
📞 Call us: 1300 DECIDE
📧 Email us: cx@careable.com.au
🌐 Visit us: Careable – NDIS Services
FAQs About NDIS Navigators
What is an NDIS Navigator?
An NDIS Navigator is a government-funded support role that replaces Support Coordinators, Local Area Coordinators (LACs), and Early Childhood Partners to provide holistic, unbiased participant support.
How will NDIS Navigators be different from Support Coordinators?
Unlike Support Coordinators, Navigators will be directly funded by the NDIA, eliminating conflicts of interest and providing more independent, participant-focused support.
When will NDIS Navigators be introduced?
The full transition is expected to take place gradually over the next few years, with detailed timelines to be released by the NDIA in 2024.
Will Support Coordinators lose their jobs?
Support Coordinators may need to transition into Navigator roles or other positions within the NDIS sector. The exact details of the transition process are still being finalized.
How can Careable help participants during this transition?
Careable ensures participants stay informed, receive ongoing support, and smoothly transition to the new NDIS Navigator system without service disruptions.
