The EFQC Enquirer: 10 September 2026

EFQC Update: What we’re seeing across the sector

It has certainly been busy across the sector, and we don’t see that slowing down anytime soon.

With the 1 October deadline approaching for existing unregistered SIL providers, we’ve been busy supporting providers with Registration Group 0138, the new SIL Practice Standards and getting ready for registration and audit. If you’re still preparing, don’t leave it too late, particularly with auditor availability becoming tighter.

In addition, we’ve been working with platform providers (who also must now be registered), and plan management companies who are gearing up for the commissioned panels which commence from 1 October 2027.

We’ve also been keeping a close eye on the broader reforms. The new NDIS Act, expanded registration and provider enrolment all point towards greater visibility and accountability across the sector. And the Commission’s recent banning orders involving a consultant and auditor are an important reminder that this increased accountability extends beyond providers.

Our work this month has also included an independent Root Cause Analysis for a provider that proactively wanted to understand where its systems and safeguards could be strengthened. It was a great example of what good governance can look like: not expecting that nothing will ever go wrong, but being willing to look closely when it does and act on what you find.

Across all of this, one message keeps coming through: compliance isn’t just about having the right documents. It’s about understanding your obligations and making sure your systems actually work in practice.

We’ll keep sharing what we’re seeing and, as always, we’re here if you need to talk through what any of these changes mean for your organisation.

Recognising ShiftCare’s Global Achievement

A huge congratulations to our partners at ShiftCare on being named Xero’s Global Innovation App of the Year for 2026!

We love working with the ShiftCare team and seeing their continued commitment to developing practical solutions that make a real difference for care providers. A very well-deserved recognition.

About ShiftCare

ShiftCare Australia helps NDIS & aged care providers streamline scheduling, compliance, and client management with one easy platform. If you’re considering ShiftCare for your organisation and have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team, we’re always happy to help.

Important Sector & Regulatory Updates

Reminder for Unregistered SIL providers: 1 October is approaching

An important reminder for existing unregistered Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers: if you intend to continue delivering SIL, you must submit a valid registration application by 1 October 2026.

Mandatory registration commenced on 1 July 2026, with SIL now falling under Registration Group 0138 – Assistance with Supported Independent Living. Existing providers who submit a valid application by the deadline can continue delivering their existing SIL supports while their application is assessed.

Importantly, registration is more than submitting an application. Providers need to understand and implement the new SIL Practice Standards, complete an individualised Self-Assessment, prepare appropriate policies, procedures and evidence, engage an Approved Quality Auditor and complete a certification audit.

With the deadline now only weeks away, don’t leave it until the last minute.

Documentation, implementation and audit preparation take time – and auditor availability may also become increasingly limited as the deadline approaches.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, or need help navigating the process, get in touch with the EFQC team.

New NDIS Act 2026: What Does It Mean for NDIS Providers?

The new NDIS Act has passed, what do you need to do?

Do you need to become registered? Will you need to enrol? Are your current record-keeping and claiming processes ready for the changes ahead?

We’ve broken down the key reforms, what they could mean for your organisation, and what providers should be thinking about now, in our recent article New NDIS Act 2026: What Does It Mean for NDIS Providers? 

Read the full article to see how the changes may affect you.

NDIS Consultants Can Now Be Banned: What Providers Need to Know

The recent NDIS banning orders have implications for more than just providers.

With the NDIS Commission’s powers now extending to consultants and auditors, accountability across the sector is increasing.

For providers, it’s also an important reminder that who you choose to support you through NDIS registration matters. What should you expect from a good NDIS consultant, and what are the red flags to watch for?

Read our latest article to find out more.