No — NDIS Navigators have not replaced Support Coordinators in 2026. The Navigator model is still being designed and tested, and if you have support coordination funded in your plan, it continues as normal. This article explains what's proposed, what's genuinely changing, and what (if anything) you need to do.
The short answer
- Navigators are a proposal from the 2023 NDIS Review — not a confirmed, scheduled replacement.
- There is no confirmed Navigator start date. A newly commissioned support coordination function is targeted for 1 July 2028 under the government's proposed reforms.
- Support coordination continues unchanged right now.
- The change arriving sooner is new framework planning — recently delayed to 1 April 2027 — along with some budget adjustments beginning in late 2026.
- The legislation behind these dates (the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026) was introduced on 14 May 2026 but is not yet law.
What are NDIS Navigators?
Navigators are a proposed role from the NDIS Review. If introduced, they would combine functions currently handled by Support Coordinators, Local Area Coordinators (LACs), and Early Childhood Partners into a single point of contact — helping people access NDIS, mainstream, and community supports.
The goal is to reduce fragmentation and simplify a system many participants find confusing. Several models are still being explored, including specialist Navigator streams for areas like psychosocial disability and housing, so the final shape may change.
Are Navigators replacing Support Coordinators right now?
No. As of 2026, if support coordination is funded in your plan, you continue to choose your provider and receive support as normal. Any move toward a new model is years away and still being designed and tested.
When will the changes actually happen?
Under the government's proposed reforms (introduced to Parliament on 14 May 2026, and not yet passed into law — a Senate committee is due to report on 16 June 2026), the stated timeline is:
- From 1 October 2026 — participant budgets for social, civic and community participation, and capacity-building daily activities, are progressively adjusted as plans are reassessed or renewed.
- 1 April 2027 — new framework planning begins. This was recently delayed from earlier proposals to allow more time for consultation and testing.
- 1 October 2027 — a new plan management approach begins, with a transition period.
- 1 July 2028 — a newly commissioned support coordination function begins.
Because the Bill is still before the Senate, these are the government's stated plans rather than settled law, and the dates could change.
A note on conflicts of interest
The NDIS Review raised concerns about support coordinators who are employed by providers that also deliver other supports. We'll be upfront about this: Careable provides both Support Coordination (Levels 1 and 2) and other supports.
We manage this transparently. Participants are always offered genuine choice — including other providers — and any decision to use Careable for multiple supports is documented through a signed conflict-of-interest declaration. You remain in full control of who delivers your supports. If you'd prefer, we can work alongside an independent support coordinator, and we're happy to help you compare options from other providers. Read how our Support Coordination works.
What this means for you
If you're a participant or family
There's nothing you need to do today because of Navigators. Your current support coordination continues. It's worth keeping clear records of your support needs and goals — useful ahead of any plan reassessment, especially as budget adjustments begin from late 2026.
If you're a support coordinator or referrer
Current arrangements continue. The proposed model would reshape how coordination is funded and delivered over time, but on a multi-year horizon. We work with support coordinators and hospital teams across Melbourne and Victoria in the meantime.
How Careable can help
Need help understanding your plan or preparing for a reassessment? Careable provides Support Connection and Support Coordination (Levels 1 and 2). We help you understand your plan, connect with supports, and stay informed as official NDIS changes are confirmed.
We also support participants with psychosocial disability and those transitioning home from hospital.
Call: 1300 332 433 (1300 DECIDE) Email: cx@careable.com.au Or get in touch through our contact page.
Sources
- NDIS — Securing the NDIS for future generations
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — reform timeline and Bill fact sheet
- Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 — introduced to Parliament 14 May 2026
- Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee — report due 16 June 2026
- NDIS Review (2023) — Navigator fact sheet
This article is general information based on the 2023 NDIS Review and the government's 2026 reform announcements, which can change. It isn't individual advice about your plan. If you need help understanding how NDIS changes affect you, contact Careable or call 1300 332 433 (1300 DECIDE).
Frequently asked questions
- Are NDIS Navigators replacing Support Coordinators?
- Not yet — it's a proposal from the NDIS Review. Support coordination continues if it's funded in your plan.
- When will NDIS Navigators start?
- There's no confirmed start date. Under the government's proposed reforms, a newly commissioned support coordination function is targeted for 1 July 2028, but the legislation is not yet law.
- Will my current Support Coordinator stop in 2026?
- No. Your current arrangements continue.
- Is new framework planning the same as Navigators?
- No. New framework planning — now proposed for 1 April 2027 — changes how plans and budgets are built. Navigators are a separate proposed navigation role.
- What should I do before a plan reassessment?
- Keep clear records of your support needs, goals, risks, informal supports, and what is or isn't working. If you already have a support coordinator, ask them to help you prepare.
Need help with your NDIS plan?
Our team is here to help participants, families and support coordinators across Melbourne and Victoria navigate NDIS supports.