National Legal Aid welcomes the continuation of much-needed funding for people with disability to access legal support to navigate complex NDIS review and appeal processes. The Government has committed $14.7 million over two years from 2026–27 for the NDIS Appeals Program to extend supplementary funding that was to end on 30 June 2026.
The NDIS Appeals Program provides critical support for people seeking review or appeal of NDIA decisions. Legal Aids provide vital legal services including advice clinics and legal representation at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and Federal Court.
NDIS appeals have more than doubled since 2023-24 and currently legal representation is limited to approximately 18% of people who lodge those appeals. The NDIS Appeals Program provides critical support for people with disability and their carers appealing NDIA decisions - such as decisions about eligibility to access the NDIS or about particular supports they need,
said NLA Executive Director the Hon Yvette D’Ath.
The independent 2025 Evaluation of the NDIS Appeals Program found that the NDIS appeals process is complicated, daunting and very difficult for people with a disability and carers to navigate without support.
Appropriate and fair appeals outcomes are critical for people with disability, and legal support for people appealing an NDIA decision is crucial to a fair and efficient appeals process,
said National Legal Aid Executive Director the Hon. Yvette D’Ath.
The Evaluation concluded that legal assistance for NDIS appeals resulted in better outcomes for clients, helped clients be more informed and prepared, and enhanced access to justice and fairness. In the context of NDIA expenditure of approximately $60.7 million to external law firms in 2024-25 to represent it at the ART, the NDIS Appeals Program also helps redress a significant power imbalance.
The legal support provided by Legal Aids not only benefits applicants but also supports the fair and efficient operation of the ART and the NDIS by filtering out unmeritorious claims and reducing delay and back log.
The need for legal support during the NDIS appeals process is not subsiding, and it will continue to be a difficult process to navigate without assistance. We anticipate that the reforms to the NDIS announced by Government in April 2026 will increase the volume, complexity and urgency of disputes about access to the NDIS, ongoing eligibility, plan budgets and funded supports,
said National Legal Aid Chair Annmarie Lumsden.
The funds committed in the 2026-27 Budget will provide critical support for people with disability and their carers through what will be a significant time of change as Government transitions to the new NDIS planning framework.
National Legal Aid looks forward to working closely with Government to monitor demand for the NDIS Appeals Program during this transition, to ensure that people with disability and their carers continue to have the support they need.
