RACGP Calls for GPs to Be Central in NDIS Reform

RACGP Calls for GPs to Be Central in NDIS Reform

29 Apr 2026

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling for GPs to be formally included in National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) legislation, as the Federal Government reviews major changes to the program.

The Government is currently reshaping the NDIS in response to rising costs and concerns about misuse of funding. Around 160,000 participants are expected to move out of the scheme as part of the reform process, with the system costing more than $46 billion this financial year.

The RACGP argues that if GPs had been properly included in decision-making and planning from the beginning, many current issues could have been avoided.

Dr Tim Jones from the RACGP said GPs already understand their patients’ needs and local support services, and should play a stronger role in guiding how disability funding is used.

He said GPs act as responsible decision-makers when it comes to patient care and could help ensure resources are used more effectively and fairly.

At present, GPs often complete reports for NDIS applications but are not formally recognised within the scheme’s structure and are not always paid for this work.

The RACGP is recommending that GPs be included in both access and planning decisions and formally recognised as medical experts within the system.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said greater GP involvement would improve how funding is allocated and help ensure people with disability receive the right support.

He added that previous recommendations to include GP expertise in the NDIS process were not acted on, despite strong evidence supporting their role.

The Government is also introducing a new program called Thriving Kids, which will support children under eight with developmental delay or autism who may not require long-term NDIS support. GPs will play an important role in identifying children who need early assistance.

Dr Jones said this new approach will allow families to access support when needed, rather than being locked into long-term schemes unnecessarily.

He also said GPs should be better supported to provide disability care, including through Medicare-funded services, so they can deliver more effective long-term care.

The RACGP believes that formally embedding GPs into the NDIS framework will help improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure people with disability receive timely and appropriate support. 

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

Source: RACGP / newsGP report on Parliamentary submission into NDIS reforms

Categories

Popular Posts

Recent Posts

Tags