What's happening behind the scenes of the biggest changes to our NDIS?

In this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George Taleporos speaks with El Gibbs and Dougie Herd, Co-Chairs of the NDIS Reform Advisory Council, about the biggest changes to our NDIS and what they could mean for participants, families and the future of choice and control.

Together, they unpack some of the biggest issues facing the disability community right now. This is an important conversation about what is at stake, why these changes matter, and why people with disability must be at the centre of decisions about the future of our NDIS.

Chapters

00:00 Opening

01:11 Introduction, Dr George Taleporos welcomes El Gibbs and Dougie Herd

01:45 What the NDIS Reform Advisory Council does and why it matters

04:34 Support Needs Assessments, key concerns and why the community is worried

09:08 How assessments could shape budgets and planning

13:10 Budget calculators, transparency and the risk of unfair cuts

17:57 Appeals, review rights and the fear of a closed loop

25:45 Group homes, individualised living and real choice about where people live

33:54 Restrictive support lists, funding periods and choice and control

38:44 Final reflections and words to the disability community

The NDIS is undergoing its biggest planning reform since the scheme began, with Support Needs Assessments set to transform how NDIS plan budgets are created but what will this really mean for people with disability and their families?

In this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George Taleporos sits down with Aaron Verlin, Acting Deputy CEO of the NDIA, and Professor Jason Thompson from the University of Melbourne to unpack the new planning approach.

They break down how the Support Needs Assessment works, how the I-CAN tool is being adapted, who will conduct assessments, and what the rollout will look like.

We also tackle the questions everyone’s asking:

• Will this lead to budget cuts?
• How long will assessments take?
• Will allied health reports still matter?
• What about people with complex needs?
• And what if the assessment gets it wrong?

If you want a clear, practical explanation of what’s changing and why it matters, this episode is essential listening.

Note: The podcast was recorded on 21 November 2025. It may not reflect all recent discussion on the topic.

Exclusive: NDIS Deep Dive with Minister Jenny McAllister

In this exclusive in-depth interview, Minister Jenny McAllister joins Dr George Taleporos on the Reasonable & Necessary podcast to share her vision for the future of the NDIS.

We cover:

✅ How the Support Needs Assessment will shape plans and budgets

✅ The introduction of Thriving Kids and foundational supports

✅ NDIS pricing and long-term sustainability

✅ Changes to provider registration and safeguards

✅ Moving away from group homes towards more individualised living

Every NDIS participant, family member, and provider will be affected by these changes. Listen now to hear directly from the Minister about what’s ahead.