Registered NDIS providers must record all incidents that affect the people they support, and report the most serious ones to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission within set timeframes. Knowing what is reportable, and acting fast, keeps participants safe and keeps you compliant. Here is what counts and when to report.
What is a reportable incident?
Reportable incidents are serious incidents that happen in connection with the supports you provide. They include:
- The death of a person with disability.
- Serious injury of a person with disability.
- Abuse or neglect of a person with disability.
- Unlawful sexual or physical contact with, or assault of, a person with disability.
- Sexual misconduct committed against, or in the presence of, a person with disability.
- The use of a restrictive practice that is not authorised or not used in line with a behaviour support plan.
Reporting timeframes
Most reportable incidents must be notified to the Commission within 24 hours. The unauthorised use of a restrictive practice is generally notifiable within 5 business days. A more detailed follow up report is usually required within 5 business days of the first notification. Always check the current Commission timeframes, which apply to registered providers.
Incidents you record but may not report
Not every incident is reportable to the Commission, but you still have to record and manage it internally: near misses, minor injuries, complaints and behaviours of concern. A good incident management system captures everything, then flags what crosses the reportable threshold.
The system you need
You need an incident management policy, an incident register, reporting forms, and a clear decision path for staff. Workers should be able to tell in minutes whether something is reportable and who to tell.
Frequently asked questions
What are the reportable incident types under the NDIS?
Death, serious injury, abuse or neglect, unlawful sexual or physical contact or assault, sexual misconduct, and the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice, all in connection with NDIS supports.
How quickly must I report an NDIS incident?
Most reportable incidents must be notified to the Commission within 24 hours, with a detailed follow up usually within 5 business days. Unauthorised use of a restrictive practice is generally reportable within 5 business days.
Do unregistered providers report incidents?
The formal reportable incidents scheme applies to registered providers. All providers should still record and manage incidents and follow the Code of Conduct. Mandatory registration from 2026 will bring more providers into the scheme.
Related NDIS guides
General information for Australian NDIS providers, not legal advice. Always check the current NDIS Practice Standards and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements for your situation.