NDIS Code of Conduct: Your Rights as a Participant
Every person or business paid with NDIS funding, registered or not, has to follow a set of legally binding conduct rules. Knowing what's actually in them makes it much easier to recognise when something isn't right.
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Who the Code Actually Applies To
The Code covers everyone paid using NDIS funding, not just the big-name providers. That includes support workers, allied health practitioners, equipment suppliers, contractors, and key personnel within any organisation delivering supports. Genuinely, it doesn't matter whether a provider is formally registered or not, the obligations apply either way.
Worth knowing: NDIA staff, including planners, actually follow a different code, the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct, since they work for the government agency itself rather than delivering supports directly.
What the Code Requires
At its core, the Code exists to protect real rights, dignity, safety, and genuine choice and control over life decisions. Several requirements sit at the heart of it:
Respect and self-determination
Freedom of expression and decision-making has to be respected, in line with relevant laws and conventions.
Privacy
Personal information and privacy must be genuinely protected, not treated casually.
Safe, skilled support
Supports and services need to be delivered competently, with real care and skill.
Honesty and transparency
No misleading claims, no pressure tactics, and no hidden information about what's actually being delivered.
Prompt action on concerns
Issues affecting quality or safety need to be raised and acted on quickly, not sat on.
Protection from harm
Reasonable steps must be taken to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, neglect, or abuse.
A more recent addition is worth knowing too: providers can't charge or advertise higher prices specifically for NDIS participants without a genuine, documented justification.
Raising a Concern
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission handles complaints about breaches of the Code, and genuinely, anyone can raise one, a participant, a family member, a friend, or a support worker who's noticed something wrong. Complaints can be made anonymously too, and free, independent disability advocates are available to help throughout the process.
Real consequences exist for breaches, including penalties, bans, and deregistration, this isn't just a values statement, it carries genuine regulatory weight.
Continue Learning
This guide is part of our full "Understanding the NDIS" series:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Code of Conduct apply to unregistered providers too?
Yes. It applies to everyone paid using NDIS funding, regardless of registration status.
What are my core rights under the Code?
Respect and self-determination, privacy, safe and skilled support, honesty and transparency, prompt action on concerns, and protection from harm.
Can I complain anonymously?
Yes, complaints to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission can be made anonymously.
Who can make a complaint?
Anyone, a participant, a family member, a friend, or a support worker who's noticed a concern can raise it.
Can a provider charge me more than other customers?
No, not without a genuine, documented justification. Charging or advertising higher prices for NDIS participants without one breaches the Code.