Latest Activity Report

By Jessica Quilty

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) has published the latest activity report, covering the period from 1 October to 31 December 2022. It provides an overview of NDIS Commission activities, including complaints, registrations, reportable incidents, behaviour support, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

The activity report for the reporting period shows:

• The number of complaints lodged nationally was steady, with a 1% increase from 1,976 last quarter to 2,001 this quarter.

• The total number of registered providers remained stable at 19,315 in this quarter, compared to 19,536 last quarter.

• There was a 7% increase in reportable incidents (excluding unauthorised restrictive practices [URPs]) in this quarter.

• The number of NDIS behaviour support practitioners considered suitable to deliver behaviour support services increased 40%, from 3,252 last quarter to 4,544 this quarter.

• There was a 13% increase over last quarter in NDIS worker screening clearances nationwide.

• At 31 December 2022, there were 449 NDIS worker screening exclusions in place, compared to 329 last quarter.

• 42 banning orders were issued between 1 July 2022 and 31 December 2022, with a further 4,868 instances in which the NDIS Commission worked to educate providers on compliance.

• The NDIS Commission was advised of 4,470 NDIS participants subjected to 410,657 URPs, a 6% increase over the previous quarter.

• The NDIS Commission continues to focus on ensuring that registered NDIS providers understand their responsibilities regarding the use of URPs and promoting the use of positive behaviour support strategies to reduce the use of restrictive practices.

The NDIS Commission has released a detailed analysis of URPs received during the 2021/22 period, including an outline of activities undertaken in response to the data.

In August 2021, the NDIS Commission initiated its first Own Motion Inquiry into aspects of supported accommodation in the NDIS.

The inquiry examined reportable incidents and complaints in supported accommodation services (specifically, group homes).

A literature review conducted by the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University in Sydney will inform the NDIS Commission’s capacity-building work with providers and the development of relevant practice standards and quality indicators.

The NDIS Commission has produced a comprehensive action plan in response to the inquiry. Providers can expect a range of changes, including new practice standards, an updated compliance strategy, and more guidance on incident notification requirements.