NDIS regulator targets choking risks following nationwide mealtime checks
Following a nationwide campaign to improve safe mealtime practices, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) is intensifying regulatory action against providers who fail to manage high-risk health concerns. A new national compliance intervention is now underway, targeting NDIS providers that support people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
People with dysphagia are at a significantly higher risk of death from aspiration pneumonia and choking – risks that can be prevented by following the right, evidence-based mealtime supports.
The new compliance crackdown builds on the Commission’s recent mealtime management campaign, during which NDIS Commission officers visited 98 registered and unregistered providers across the country between May and August 2025. Over 16 weeks, staff conducted 184 site visits to check whether providers were meeting their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct and relevant Practice Standards for mealtime and dysphagia management.
The initial selection of 98 providers was informed by Commission data and intelligence to ensure the campaign captured a mix of large and small, registered and unregistered providers across different regions. This proactive approach identified that some providers’ mealtime management did not meet required standards — which is why the Commission is now cracking down further and targeting providers with known and alleged non‑compliance.
The site visits found examples of good practice, as well as areas where providers need to improve. Most participants had up-to-date mealtime management plans prepared by qualified speech pathologists that were actively followed. Positive examples of person-centered planning and service delivery were also observed.
However, the review found that inconsistent information sharing during participant transitions – such as when changing service locations, providers or staff – remains a preventable risk.
These findings have informed the current dysphagia compliance campaign, which will run through to March 2026 and focus on providers already known to present risks related to dysphagia and mealtime concerns. The NDIS Commission has the power to take strong regulatory action against any provider found to be in breach of their obligations – by issuing infringement notices, revoking registration, imposing banning orders or pursuing court action.
The mealtime management and dysphagia campaigns directly uplift the NDIS Commission’s 2025–26 Regulatory Priorities, which include provider responsibilities to support participants and identify and respond proactively to high-risk health concerns.
Quotes attributable to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville:
This campaign reminds NDIS providers that mealtime management and preventable deaths are a key regulatory priority.
We have staff on the ground, around the country, checking standards and taking action against providers who do the wrong thing.
The safety and human rights of people with disability will always be our number one commitment.
Quotes attributable to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade:
Every person deserves to feel safe and supported at mealtimes. When providers fall short, the impact on participants and families can be devastating — and that’s why we are stepping in.
We know many providers work hard to put the right safeguards in place. But when we see gaps that could put someone at risk, we act quickly to prevent harm.
When someone needs help at mealtimes, their safety must come first. The NDIS Commission will step in whenever those safeguards are not being met.
ENDS