COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Legislative & Regulatory Obligations in NDIS Support Coordination course. This course has been designed to equip NDIS support coordinators and related professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape their day-to-day responsibilities. Drawing on national legislation, state-based statutory instruments, and enforceable NDIS rules, the course fosters legal literacy and ethical confidence to help ensure that all support coordination services are delivered lawfully, safely, and with respect for participant rights and wellbeing.

Support coordination is a critical service within the NDIS framework, intended to build the participant’s capacity to understand and implement their plan, navigate systems, and access supports that align with their goals. This course begins by introducing the three distinct levels of support coordination—support connection, coordination of supports, and specialist support coordination—and the unique responsibilities involved in each. It explores the core functions of a support coordinator, from facilitating service linkages to problem-solving complex access issues. Emphasis is placed on the importance of legal compliance as a cornerstone of quality, person-centred practice, where every decision must uphold both the participant’s autonomy and the expectations of regulatory governance.

Understanding legal responsibilities is essential for professional integrity and safe service delivery. This section explores the difference between ethical conduct and legal obligation, showing how NDIS Practice Standards, rules, and legislation guide day-to-day decisions. It examines how support coordinators can work within these frameworks while navigating the complex interpersonal, environmental, and systemic issues that may arise in participants’ lives. The role of legal literacy in upholding dignity, avoiding rights violations, and safeguarding participants is underscored throughout.

Non-compliance in the NDIS environment carries significant consequences—not only for organisations, but for participants and the broader community. This section highlights the risks associated with legal breaches, including sanctions, deregistration, and reputational damage. It also explains how legal knowledge strengthens professional credibility, improves service quality, and contributes to safer, more empowered outcomes for participants—particularly those with high or complex support needs.

At the Commonwealth level, multiple pieces of legislation form the backbone of regulatory expectations in NDIS support coordination. This section begins with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, which formally established the NDIS and sets out key principles such as participant choice, control, and reasonable and necessary supports. Also addressed are the NDIS (Code of Conduct) Rules 2018 and the NDIS (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, which define how support coordination services must be delivered in accordance with enforceable ethical and operational standards.

The course continues by exploring the NDIS (Complaints Management and Resolution) Rules 2018 and the NDIS (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018. These outline legal duties to have functioning complaint systems, respond promptly to concerns, and report serious incidents to the NDIS Commission. Participants will learn how to apply these rules in real-time decision-making, and how to maintain the documentation required for audit and investigation purposes.

When working with participants who exhibit behaviours of concern, the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018 become especially relevant. This section covers the legal limits on restrictive interventions and the process for behaviour support planning, implementation, and oversight. It also addresses critical safeguards designed to protect the rights and dignity of participants in high-risk behavioural contexts.

Privacy and human rights legislation also intersect with NDIS service delivery. This section discusses the Privacy Act 1988 and its Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which govern how personal and health information is collected, stored, used, and disclosed. Additional emphasis is placed on the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which prohibit discriminatory practices and require reasonable adjustments in all aspects of support provision. The Carer Recognition Act 2010 is also discussed, highlighting the legal requirement to involve informal carers appropriately in planning and service delivery.

Because support coordination often involves community-based or in-home settings, safety legislation plays a vital role. This section explains how the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and its equivalents in each jurisdiction apply to NDIS service delivery. Topics include workplace risk management, lone worker protocols, hazard identification, and strategies for safeguarding both staff and participants during service delivery.

Workplace responsibilities extend beyond participant interaction. This section discusses how the Fair Work Act 2009 applies to support coordinators as employees, including provisions for leave, minimum wages, whistle-blower protections, and occupational entitlements. The Aged Care Act 1997 and associated Quality of Care Principles 2014 are also discussed in the context of dual-funded participants who access both aged care and NDIS services, requiring compliance with both frameworks to ensure continuity and lawful support delivery.

At the state and territory level, disability-specific legislation must also be considered. This section outlines the relevant Disability Services Acts in each jurisdiction, from the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW) to the Disability Services Act 1993 (NT). These Acts provide protections, access entitlements, and procedural standards that support coordinators must consider when operating across state borders or supporting interstate participants.

Guardianship and administration laws vary between states but are essential when working with participants who require supported or substituted decision-making. This section explores the role and responsibilities of guardians and administrators, including how consent must be obtained, how decisions must be documented, and how support coordinators must engage respectfully and lawfully with appointed decision-makers. Jurisdiction-specific legislation is outlined for each state and territory.

Support coordinators working with children or families must also understand mandatory reporting laws. This section details child protection legislation in each state and territory, outlining when and how support coordinators are legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It includes guidance on working with child protection authorities, maintaining accurate records, and supporting participant wellbeing in high-risk or crisis situations.

Finally, state-specific Work Health and Safety Acts create workplace obligations across all Australian jurisdictions. This section discusses how to apply state-based WHS laws to support coordination contexts, particularly during travel, community visits, or in-home service delivery. It covers the implementation of lone worker procedures, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and measures to promote staff wellbeing in high-demand roles.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the legal knowledge, practical understanding, and ethical awareness necessary to navigate the complex compliance landscape of NDIS support coordination. Your ability to align service delivery with legislative requirements will help ensure the safety, rights, and dignity of every participant you support.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Legislative and Regulatory Obligations in NDIS Support Coordination

Understanding the Role of Support Coordination within the NDIS

• Overview of support coordination and its three levels: support connection, coordination of supports, and specialist support coordination.
• Scope of responsibilities: assisting participants to understand their plan, connect with services, and build capacity for self-management.
• Importance of compliance in delivering quality, rights-based support.

Legal Responsibilities in Support Coordination

• Differentiating between legal compliance and ethical practice.
• Role of legislation, NDIS rules, and practice standards in shaping daily work.
• Navigating complex decision-making while maintaining participant rights.

Why Legal Knowledge is Critical in the NDIS Environment

• Consequences of non-compliance: sanctions, deregistration, participant harm.
• Legal literacy as a foundation for professional integrity and service excellence.

2. National (Commonwealth) Legislation Relevant to NDIS Support Coordination

National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013

• Establishes the NDIS and defines participant rights, provider responsibilities, and administrative powers.
• Key principles: choice and control, inclusion, and reasonable and necessary supports.

NDIS (Quality Indicators) Guidelines 2018

• Detailed indicators for assessing compliance with NDIS Practice Standards.
• Focus on rights, governance, service provision, and risk management.

NDIS (Code of Conduct) Rules 2018

• Enforceable behavioural expectations for all NDIS workers and providers.
• Includes treating participants with respect, ensuring quality and safety, and preventing harm.

NDIS (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018

• Mandatory standards for providers of support coordination services.
• Cover governance, service delivery, participant outcomes, and worker competence.

NDIS (Complaints Management and Resolution) Rules 2018

• Legal requirement for all providers to maintain complaint-handling systems.
• Obligations to respond to, document, and resolve complaints fairly and quickly.

NDIS (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018

• Defines what constitutes a reportable incident and the provider’s duties.
• Includes timelines, documentation, and mandatory reporting to the NDIS Commission.

NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018

• Regulates use of restrictive practices in support delivery.
• Requirements for behaviour support plans, approval processes, and safeguards.

Privacy Act 1988

• Governs how personal and health information is collected, stored, shared, and disclosed.
• Application of Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) to support coordination services.

Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986

• Ensures that participant rights are upheld across service contexts.
• Provides avenues for redress in cases of discrimination or rights breaches.

Disability Discrimination Act 1992

• Prohibits discrimination against people with disability in service delivery, access, and communication.
• Obligation to provide reasonable adjustments in all aspects of support.

Carer Recognition Act 2010

• Acknowledges the role of informal carers and mandates collaboration with them in service planning.
• Ensures carers are respected and included where appropriate.

Work Health and Safety Act 2011

• Creates obligations for safe working environments for both staff and participants.
• Risk management in home visits, transport, and community-based support.

Fair Work Act 2009

• Provides protections for workers employed by NDIS providers, including support coordinators.
• Covers workplace conditions, rights, awards, and protections for whistle-blowers.

Aged Care Act 1997 and Quality of Care Principles 2014

• Relevant where a participant is dually funded under NDIS and aged care.
• Ensures coordination of services remains compliant with aged care legislation.

3. State/Territory Disability Service & Guardianship Acts

State Disability Legislation

• NSW: Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• VIC: Disability Act 2006
• QLD: Disability Services Act 2006
• WA: Disability Services Act 1993
• SA: Disability Inclusion Act 2018
• TAS: Disability Services Act 2011
• ACT: Disability Services Act 1991
• NT: Disability Services Act 1993

Guardianship and Administration Acts

• NSW: Guardianship Act 1987
• VIC: Guardianship and Administration Act 2019
• QLD: Guardianship and Administration Act 2000
• WA: Guardianship and Administration Act 1990
• SA: Guardianship and Administration Act 1993
• TAS: Guardianship and Administration Act 1995
• ACT: Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991
• NT: Guardianship of Adults Act 2016

Key Compliance Requirements

• Determining participant decision-making capacity and appropriate consent pathways.
• Engaging with guardians and administrators lawfully and respectfully.
• Understanding substitute and supported decision-making frameworks.

4. State/Territory Child Protection & Mandatory Reporting Laws

Mandatory Reporting Obligations by Jurisdiction

• NSW: Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
• VIC: Children, Youth and Families Act 2005
• QLD: Child Protection Act 1999
• WA: Children and Community Services Act 2004
• SA: Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
• TAS: Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997
• ACT: Children and Young People Act 2008
• NT: Care and Protection of Children Act 2007

Key Reporting Responsibilities for Support Coordinators

• Identifying and responding to suspected abuse or neglect.
• Working with child protection authorities, family supports, and legal systems.
• Maintaining accurate records and safeguarding participant wellbeing.

5. State/Territory Work Health & Safety Acts

Jurisdictional WHS Frameworks

• NSW: Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• VIC: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
• QLD: Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• WA: Work Health and Safety Act 2020
• SA: Work Health and Safety Act 2012
• TAS: Work Health and Safety Act 2012
• ACT: Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• NT: Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011

Application in NDIS Support Coordination Contexts

• Risk assessment and hazard mitigation during community or home visits.
• Safe travel policies, lone worker procedures, and PPE use.
• Staff mental health and wellbeing in high-demand roles.

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.