Registration and Arrival 

Welcome and Introductions 

This panel session will focus on the NDIS Commission's ongoing efforts to refine the regulations for Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living providers, informed by the in-home and housing supports consultation.

Panellists will examine the anticipated review of NDIS Practice Standards and the development of new SIL-specific standards in 2025, co-designed with people with disability.

The discussion will address the legal and practical separation of SIL and SDA services, exploring how these changes will impact providers, tenants, and the broader housing and support ecosystem.

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Providers will gain clarity on regulatory developments, actionable strategies to adapt to evolving standards, and insights into compliance while improving tenant outcomes.

For SDA and SIL  Providers, working in silos can lead to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and challenges in delivering the best possible participant experience. Collaboration between SIL and SDA providers is essential to achieving seamless service delivery, improved participant outcomes, and long-term business sustainability.

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This session will explore how SDA and SIL providers can work together more effectively to ensure:

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• Stronger partnerships that align participant needs with housing and support services

• Clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels between providers

• Compliance and quality assurance while maintaining service excellence

• Financial and operational sustainability through better collaboration models

• Case Studies on success stories and strategies for overcoming challenges

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Attendees will gain practical insights on building effective SDA-SIL collaborations that not only enhance participant experiences but also ensure business success and compliance in the evolving NDIS landscape.

Break 

Behaviour support and the management of unauthorised restrictive practices (URPs) are critical in delivering high-quality Supported Independent Living  and short-term/medium-term accommodation (STA/MTA) services.

This session explores the legal, ethical, and operational challenges surrounding behaviour support planning, ensuring compliance with NDIS regulations while prioritising participant rights, dignity, and independence.

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Attendees will gain insights into:

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• The role of behaviour support practitioners in SIL and transitional housing

• Strategies to minimise and eliminate restrictive practices in crisis and transitional settings

• Regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

• The impact of URPs on participant outcomes, service viability, and provider risk management

• Case studies on implementing proactive and person-centred behaviour support​

As the sector prepares for the upcoming mandatory registration of Supported Independent Living  providers, this session will unpack its impact on SDA participant care, workforce stability, and business viability.

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This presentation will explore how these new compliance requirements aim to enhance quality and safety while also presenting significant operational and financial challenges for providers.

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SIL providers are already grappling with workforce shortages, complex staffing ratios, and rising costs—now, balancing regulatory compliance with business sustainability is more critical than ever.

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Key Topics Covered:

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Staffing Ratios & Compliance Challenges – Understanding NDIS workforce requirements, managing complex participant needs, and mitigating penalties.

Balancing Quality Care & Business viability – Strategies to meet compliance without compromising financial sustainability.

Mandatory Registration & Workforce Shortages – The impact of new worker screening and registration requirements on SIL providers and how to prepare.

Workforce Retention & Training – Practical strategies to reduce turnover, prevent burnout, and build a skilled, resilient workforce.

Financial & Operational Pressures – Managing rising staffing costs, participant expectations, and long-term sustainability.

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Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable solutions to navigate the evolving SIL landscape, ensuring their services remain compliant, sustainable, and high-quality.

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This session is essential for SIL, STA, and MTA providers looking to adapt, survive, and thrive amid changing regulatory and workforce dynamics.

As SIL providers strive to maintain high-quality care for participants, navigating the evolving compliance landscape becomes an increasingly complex challenge.

Recent Federal Court rulings have reinforced the NDIA’s authority to impose payment holds, highlighting the need for strict adherence to the NDIS Act and accurate record-keeping. However, cases such as Affinity Care Services Pty Ltd v NDIA and Northern Disability Services Pty Ltd v NDIA also bring to light concerns about procedural fairness, delayed payments, and the financial pressures they impose on providers.

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With over 1,000 active payment holds disrupting vital services, providers face significant financial risks, which in turn affect their ability to deliver the best care for participants.

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This session will address:

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• How NDIA payment holds impact SIL business operations and financial sustainability.

• The challenges of balancing compliance with the financial realities of running a business while prioritising participant care.

• Practical strategies for minimizing payment holds and ensuring the financial health of your organisation.

• Approaches to challenging unreasonable NDIA decisions without compromising the quality of care provided to participants.

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This session will empower SIL providers to safeguard their cash flow and business sustainability while navigating the complex balance between regulatory compliance and the best interests of their participants.

Lunch

This session will focus on the different types of accommodation available for SIL providers, specifically Short-Term Accommodation Medium-Term Accommodation  and respite care, and how these services can support individuals transitioning from hospital care or in need of crisis and mental health accommodation.

The session will explore the key differences between STA, MTA, and Specialist Disability Accommodation, focusing on their role in supporting individuals with complex needs during critical transitional periods.

SIL providers will learn how to navigate these options, understand their regulatory and funding frameworks, and how to best support participants who are moving from healthcare settings to more stable living situations.

Practical strategies for integrating these types of accommodations into SIL care plans will be shared, with an emphasis on collaboration with healthcare providers, mental health services, and community organizations to ensure that the needs of participants are met effectively. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how to incorporate STA, MTA, and respite options into their service offerings, helping improve patient outcomes and ensuring smooth transitions from hospital to community care.​​

This panel session will explore the critical role of hospital social workers and SIL providers in ensuring seamless hospital discharge, step-down housing solutions, and the transition from hospital to home for NDIS participants and individuals with complex care needs.

The discussion will focus on collaboration, funding pathways, and innovative housing solutions that can improve outcomes for patients requiring short-term, medium-term, or long-term care support post-discharge.

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Key Discussion Points:

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Optimising the Discharge Process

The role of hospital social workers in identifying suitable SIL and housing pathways for patients.
Strategies for reducing discharge delays by integrating NDIS plans, STA/MTA options, and crisis accommodation into hospital planning.
Collaboration Between Hospitals & SIL Providers

How SIL providers can engage early with hospitals to assess patient needs, develop transitional care plans, and prevent hospital re-admissions.
Case studies on successful hospital-to-home transitions through coordinated care.
Navigating NDIS Plans & Funding for Discharge Pathways

Understanding how to access NDIS funding for step-down care, short-term accommodation (STA), and medium-term accommodation (MTA).
Addressing challenges in securing funding approvals for urgent hospital discharge cases.
Best practices for aligning hospital, NDIS, and community services for a smooth transition.
Step-Down Housing & Transitional Care Solutions

The role of SDA, SIL, and respite accommodation in providing temporary and long-term housing for individuals leaving hospital care.
Seamless Hospital transitions: Setting Participants up for success: A step-by-step approach to supporting people int heir move form hospital into SDA or SIL, avoiding common pitfalls

Strategies for repurposing vacant SDA properties for hospital discharge pathways.
Building Sustainable Partnerships

Creating formal referral networks between hospitals, SIL providers, and housing services.
Implementing data-driven approaches to track outcomes and improve discharge planning.
Identifying policy and funding gaps to advocate for better support models.

Outcomes for attendees:
By the end of this session, hospital social workers and SIL providers will gain practical strategies to enhance hospital discharge pathways, leverage NDIS funding effectively, and develop collaborative models that ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right housing.​​​​

This session will focus on how Supported Independent Living  providers in Queensland can enhance their services to meet the rising demand for 24/7 care, mental health accommodation, crisis support, and transitional care.

SIL providers are critical in supporting individuals with complex needs, including those requiring ongoing care, individuals with mental health challenges, and those transitioning from hospital discharge. However, challenges such as workforce shortages, funding complexities, and the underutilization of Specialist Disability Accommodation  homes can hinder providers' ability to offer consistent, high-quality care.

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The session will highlight how collaboration with community housing organizations, allied health professionals, mental health services, and support coordinators can help overcome these barriers.

By pooling expertise and resources, SIL providers can improve workforce capacity, better manage complex care needs, and integrate mental health support into their service offerings.

Attendees will learn how to leverage training solutions, develop personalized care plans, and create a coordinated approach to delivering 24/7 care to vulnerable individuals.

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Moreover, the session will explore how repurposing vacant SDA homes can address the urgent need for crisis and mental health accommodation, while providing options for long-term housing.

It will delve into how SIL providers can effectively navigate funding and regulatory pathways to support individuals who require continuous care, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing service delivery.

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Attendees will leave with practical insights on strengthening 24/7 care models within SIL services, understanding the unique challenges of mental health and crisis accommodation, and how effective collaboration can address the complex needs of participants.

The session will provide strategies for improving care quality, expanding service offerings, and ensuring that providers can meet the growing demand for mental health and crisis accommodation, ultimately promoting a more sustainable and impactful service model.

Afternoon tea 

With the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters such as cyclones, floods, and bushfires, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in Impact Housing, Supported Independent Living , and Specialist Disability Accommodation is more critical than ever.

Many residents rely on life support systems, mobility aids, and high-support care, making them particularly susceptible during emergencies.

A well-structured emergency response plan must not only mitigate immediate risks but also incorporate a robust ‘Plan B’ that aligns with regulatory requirements to ensure the continuity of care and protection of those most at risk.

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This session will examine key aspects of emergency preparedness, including the development of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), compliance-driven relocation strategies, and energy resilience solutions such as battery backups for life-sustaining medical equipment

It will also highlight the necessity of proactive contingency planning—ensuring alternative accommodation, support networks, and effective emergency service coordination are established before disaster strikes.

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A crucial element of this preparedness is the integration of hospital networks. Hospitals serve as critical partners in disaster response, offering medical stabilisation, temporary care, and coordinated transfers for individuals with high-support needs.

Establishing clear communication channels and protocols between housing providers, emergency services, and hospitals ensures timely intervention and appropriate care pathways during evacuations.

Compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks further underscores the need to embed hospital resources into emergency plans, safeguarding access to essential medical services when relocation becomes unavoidable.

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By drawing insights from recent disaster responses, regulatory updates, and industry best practices, this session will equip providers, emergency planners, and healthcare stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance emergency preparedness and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents in Impact Housing, SIL, and SDA settings.

This session will address the evolving safety regulations impacting workers across all social impact housing environments, including SIL, SDA, and other community-based housing initiatives.

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With a growing emphasis on psychosocial hazards and workplace violence, the session will explore how new safety laws are reshaping the landscape for workers providing care in these settings.

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As SIL and SDA providers diversify their services to include more complex housing solutions—such as mental health accommodation, 24/7 care, and crisis housing—this session will examine the impact of these regulations on both staff and residents.

Panellists will discuss the challenges of maintaining staff safety in environments where residents may experience heightened stress or behavioural challenges, and how providers can stay compliant with the new requirements.

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Key areas of focus will include implementing comprehensive risk assessments, strategies for preventing and responding to violent incidents, ensuring adequate staff training, and fostering a culture of safety.

The discussion will also cover how providers can successfully navigate compliance while diversifying their housing offerings to include a wider range of vulnerable populations.

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Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to safeguard their workforce, comply with new safety laws, and adapt to the growing need for specialized care in a variety of social impact housing settings.

This session will provide actionable insights for enhancing worker safety and ensuring a sustainable, compliant approach to delivering care in an increasingly complex housing landscape.

Q & A 

Networking and close