Disability support workers could soon face mandatory qualification requirements, as the sector moves to implement recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.
Reforms taking effect from July 2026 target the registration of supported independent living and platform providers. While they don’t mandate individual worker qualifications directly, TAFE NSW head teacher of Human Services and Disability, Christy Lewin, expects mandatory requirements for workers to follow.
Currently, holding a Certificate III in Individual Support is an industry expectation rather than a legal requirement, but Mrs Lewin says that’s likely to change as the sector moves toward a more professional, formally qualified workforce, mirroring reforms already made in aged care.
“I do believe that that’s going to be something that will be a requirement,” Mrs Lewin said.
For people who rely on disability support, and those considering it as a career, the change comes against what Mrs Lewin describes as one of the fastest-growing skill shortages in NSW.
“The skill shortage means that the level of care, the level of support that we’re able to provide, starts to become minimised,” she said.
The shift is complicated by a rise in sole traders operating under an ABN, a byproduct of the NDIS opening up the support market. Mrs Lewin said these workers often lack the structures that come with working for an established organisation.
“Sole traders don’t have the policies and procedures behind them,” she said, adding that TAFE has started guiding independent workers toward NDIS-provided templates and resources to help fill the gap.
Mrs Lewin said smaller registered training organisations have also felt the pressure, with many closing or partnering with TAFE to continue delivering training as compliance requirements grow more demanding.
Despite the challenges, Mrs Lewin said it’s an exciting time to be part of the sector’s evolution.
“It’s not just about being able to get numbers through our courses, but… how do we make sure that they walk away with the exceptional skills,” she said.
