If you have been part of the NDIS landscape for the last 18 months, you know it hasn’t been smooth sailing. In fact, 2024 might go down in history as the “Great Shake-Up” of the disability sector.
We saw it all: public comments from former Minister Bill Shorten that rattled the industry’s confidence; a pricing freeze that squeezed many good providers out of existence; and the looming question mark of the new “Navigator” role.
For a while there, the sector felt incredibly wobbly. Scores of Support Coordination companies quietly closed their doors, leaving participants scrambling to find new support.
But CoAbility is still here.
Not only are we here, but we are stronger, leaner, and more focused than ever. Here is a look back at the storm we weathered, and why we are the right team to guide you through the next chapter of the NDIS.
The “Exodus” of 2024
Let’s not sugarcoat it: last year was brutal for Support Coordinators.
Between the rhetoric labelling providers as “fraudsters” and the economic reality of stagnant pricing amidst soaring inflation, many independent businesses simply couldn’t make the maths work. They faced a hard choice: compromise on quality to cut costs, or close down.
Watch: The moment the landscape shifted. Former NDIS Minister Bill Shorten announces his retirement from federal politics in early 2025.
We saw a wave of experienced Coordinators leaving the sector or moving into unregistered “cowboy” models to avoid compliance costs. This left thousands of participants vulnerable, stranded without the professional oversight they relied on.
At CoAbility, we refused to compromise. We knew that you—our participants—needed stability more than ever. So, instead of folding, we adapted.
How We Pivoted (And Why It Worked)
We saw the writing on the wall early. We knew that the old way of doing business—fancy offices, heavy management layers, and rigid structures—wouldn’t survive the new NDIS economy.
So, we made bold moves to “trim the fat” without touching the muscle.
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We went lean: We peeled back our organisational structure to focus on the people who actually matter: the Support Coordinators working directly with you.
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We got mobile: We closed our bricks-and-mortar offices. Why pay rent when we can meet you in your community? We now operate out of community hubs, libraries, and co-working spaces in places like Collingwood and Fitzroy. We meet you where you are.
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We stayed compliant: While others dropped their registration to save money, we doubled down on our commitment to the NDIS Code of Conduct. We believe safety and quality are non-negotiable.
The “Navigator” Future: We Are Ready
Back in 2024, the industry was terrified of the proposed “Navigator” role replacing Support Coordinators.
Now, in late 2025, as the Navigator role is being co-designed and rolled out, the reality is becoming clear: Specialist knowledge is irreplaceable.
While Navigators will play a crucial role in the new system, there will always be a need for independent, expert Support Coordinators who work for you, not the Agency. We are positioning ourselves to work alongside this new system, ensuring you still have a fierce advocate in your corner who understands the complexities of the Price Guide and the legislation.
The Bottom Line: We Are Here for the Long Haul
The dust has settled, and the landscape has changed. But our promise remains the same.
We survived the shake-up because we are resilient, agile, and absolutely dedicated to our participants. If your previous Support Coordinator has closed their doors, or if you feel like your current provider is checking out, we are ready to step in.
We aren’t going anywhere.
Contact CoAbility today to join a team that is built for the future of the NDIS.
