Your rights
How to make a complaint about an NDIS provider
What you can complain about, how to raise it, and how to go directly to the NDIS Commission — anonymously if you prefer.
6 min read · Published 3 August 2026 · Last reviewed August 2026
You have the right to raise a concern or complain about the quality or safety of NDIS supports. It can be about something serious, an ongoing problem, or a smaller issue that has not been handled properly.
You should be able to complain without being threatened, punished or treated unfairly. A complaint can resolve your issue, and may improve support for other participants too.
When to call 000
Call 000 when someone’s life is at risk, or there is an emergency where a person could be critically harmed or seriously injured. Where harm may happen soon but it is not an immediate emergency, contact the NDIS Commission as soon as you can.
What you can complain about
- Unsafe or poor quality support
- A worker treating you without dignity or respect
- Privacy or confidentiality concerns
- Supports that were not delivered as agreed
- Unfair prices or unclear charges
- A provider not responding to an incident or concern
- A provider discouraging or threatening you for complaining
- Possible neglect, abuse, exploitation or sexual misconduct
- A worker or provider acting dishonestly, or with a conflict of interest
Step 1: Record what happened
Write down the details while they are fresh. You can ask someone you trust to help.
- What happened, and when and where
- Who was involved
- What you expected to happen
- How it affected you
- Any messages, invoices, photographs or other information
- What outcome you would like
Step 2: Raise it with the provider, if you feel comfortable
Speak to a worker or manager, call, email, or complete their complaint form. You can ask someone to do it for you. Keep a copy of anything written and any response.
Step 3: Or go straight to the Commission
You do not have to complain to the provider first — particularly if you do not feel safe, the provider is involved in the concern, you fear retaliation, or they have not responded.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission takes complaints on 1800 035 544, TTY 133 677, or online. Through the National Relay Service, ask for 1800 035 544.
Anonymous and confidential complaints
You can complain openly, confidentially, or anonymously. Anonymous means they do not record who you are, which limits their ability to update you or follow up details. Confidential means they know, but limit what identifying information is disclosed.
A complaint is not a plan review
The Commission deals with provider quality and safety. It does not decide eligibility, funding amounts, plan variations or reassessments — those go to the NDIA. You may occasionally need both.
Getting help
A family member, friend, advocate, nominee, representative, support coordinator or legal service can help you complain, and can attend meetings with you. An independent advocate does not work for the provider, the NDIA or the Commission.
About this article
Evergreen participant rights guide. Last reviewed August 2026. Review every 12 months. Confirm emergency and NDIS Commission contact details at each review.
NDIS rules change. For the official position, check ndis.gov.au.