How to check if your NDIS provider has been sanctioned
Why check provider compliance history
Choosing an NDIS provider is one of the most important decisions participants make. While the vast majority of registered providers operate ethically, the Commission has identified over 3,000 enforcement actions since 2019. Spending five minutes checking a provider's compliance status can give you confidence in your choice, or flag potential concerns before you commit.
This guide walks you through the free, public tools available to verify any NDIS provider.
Step 1: Check the NDIS Commission register
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission maintains a searchable register of all compliance actions at:
ndiscommission.gov.au/compliance-actions/search
You can search by provider name, individual name, state, or action type. The register shows the type of action, when it took effect, whether it is still in force or has expired, the provider's ABN and location, and brief details on the reason for action.
Step 2: Verify registration status
A provider may have had enforcement action but still be registered (for example, a compliance notice that has been resolved). To check current registration:
This tells you whether the provider currently holds active NDIS registration and what registration groups they are registered for. If a provider claims to be registered but does not appear here, that is a red flag.
Step 3: Check the ABN on the business register
Every legitimate NDIS provider has an Australian Business Number (ABN). Verify this at Australian Business Register (ABR).
Key things to check: ABN status is "Active". Business name matches what the provider told you. Entity type is appropriate (company, trust, sole trader). ABN registered date is reasonable. Very recent registrations (under 12 months) for a provider claiming years of experience may warrant further questions.
Step 4: Check worker screening
All NDIS workers must hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check. You have the right to ask any support worker to show you their clearance. Each state has its own screening body: NSW Office of the Children's Guardian, VIC Department of Justice and Community Safety, QLD Department of Justice and Attorney-General, WA Department of Communities, SA DHS Screening Unit, TAS Department of Justice, ACT Access Canberra, NT SAFE NT.
A worker who refuses to show their screening clearance, or claims it is "in progress" for an extended period, should not be providing you with supports.
Understanding action types
| Action type | Severity | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance notice | Medium | The provider must fix specific issues within a timeframe. Often administrative (documentation, reporting). The provider can continue operating. |
| Suspension | High | Registration temporarily halted. The provider cannot take new participants but may continue with existing ones under conditions. |
| Revocation | Critical | Registration permanently removed. The provider can no longer deliver NDIS services. You should transition to another provider. |
| Banning order | Critical | An individual is permanently banned from the NDIS. They cannot provide any supports in any capacity. |
| Enforceable undertaking | Medium | The provider has agreed to specific actions to address Commission concerns. A negotiated outcome rather than imposed sanction. |
What to do if your provider has a compliance action
Compliance notice (especially expired). Usually not cause for immediate concern. Many notices relate to paperwork issues that have since been resolved. Ask your provider about it directly.
Current suspension or revocation. Contact your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator immediately. They can help you transition to another provider. Do not continue receiving services from a deregistered provider.
Support worker has a banning order. Stop using their services immediately and report the situation to the Commission on 1800 035 544. A banned individual providing NDIS supports is committing a criminal offence.
Report concerns
If you have concerns about an NDIS provider or worker:
NDIS Commission Complaints Line: 1800 035 544
Online: ndiscommission.gov.au/making-complaint
You can make a complaint anonymously. The Commission investigates all complaints and can take enforcement action where warranted.
Using NDIS Trust Index provider pages
On ndis.refdat.com, provider pages display compliance badges based on cross-referencing the Commission register with our provider database. Providers with enforcement actions show an amber "Compliance Action on Record" indicator. Providers with no history show a green "No Compliance Actions" badge.
These badges provide a quick visual indicator. Always verify current status directly with the Commission for the most up-to-date information. Back to the compliance hub.