NDIS Plan Reassessment/Variation Request Queue (May 2025)
Dear National Disability Insurance Agency,
I request access to this information under the Freedom of Information Act.
1. The total number of plan reassessment requests and/or persons that are currently awaiting a plan reassessment decision, and;
a). The number of plan reassessment requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 21 days or less.
b). The number of plan reassessment requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 112 days or more.
2. The total number of plan variation requests and/or persons that are currently awaiting a plan variation decision, and;
a). The number of plan variation requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 21 days or less.
b). The number of plan variation requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 112 days or more.
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So long as it is clearly stated in the decision, I’m fine with “currently” to be interpreted as either:
- The date this request has been made (7 May 2025).
- The date the data is accessed by the staff member fulfilling this request.
Please choose whichever option allows the request to be completed most easily.
Thank you,
Stuart
Thank you for your email to the National Disability Insurance Agency
(NDIA) Freedom of Information (FOI) team.
Please note: due to a high volume of requests, our ability to respond to
you in a timely manner may be affected. We will action your request as
soon as possible and will endeavour to process your matter within the
legislative deadlines. We may need to seek your agreement to an extension
of time. We appreciate your understanding if this is required.
Participant Information
Did you know the NDIA has other ways to access the documents and
information that we hold?
Participants, Guardians and Nominees can obtain copies of some participant
information through our National Contact Centre (NCC). For more
information about what’s available through the NCC, please contact 1800
800 110.
Please visit our [1]Access to Information webpage to find out more about
accessing information through:
* The [2]Participant Information Access (PIA) scheme
* The [3]Information Publication Scheme (IPS)
* The [4]myplace portal for participants
* The [5]myplace portal for providers
Access to Data
You can also request data and statistics. Please visit our [6]Data and
insights webpage page for further information.
If you are able to obtain your information from a source listed above, you
can withdraw your FOI request by emailing [7][NDIA request email]
Further Information
Information about how to make an FOI request can be found on our website:
[8]Freedom of Information
Should you have a query unrelated to FOI, please contact the Agency by
email at [9][email address] or via webchat at [10]ndis.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can also contact us by phoning 1800 800 110.
Kind regards
Freedom of Information Team
Complaints Management & FOI Branch
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [11][NDIA request email]
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
References
Visible links
1. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/policie...
2. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/policie...
3. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/policie...
4. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/usi...
5. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/workin...
6. https://data.ndis.gov.au/
7. mailto:[NDIA request email]
8. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/policie...
9. mailto:[email address]
10. https://www.ndis.gov.au/
11. mailto:[NDIA request email]
Dear Stuart,
Freedom of Information Request: Acknowledgement
Thank you for your request of 7 May 2025, made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), for copies of documents held by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Scope of your Request
You have requested access to:
“ … I request access to this information under the Freedom of Information Act.
1. The total number of plan reassessment requests and/or persons that are currently awaiting a plan reassessment decision, and;
a). The number of plan reassessment requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 21 days or less.
b). The number of plan reassessment requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 112 days or more.
2. The total number of plan variation requests and/or persons that are currently awaiting a plan variation decision, and;
a). The number of plan variation requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 21 days or less.
b). The number of plan variation requests/persons that have been awaiting a decision for 112 days or more....”
Processing Timeframes
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, a 30-day statutory period for processing your request commenced from 7 May 2025. This 30-day period expires on 6 June 2025.
The 30-day period can be extended in a number of ways, including with your agreement.
Extension of Time Request:
Unfortunately, it is currently taking us a little longer than 30 days to process FOI requests due to a very high volume of incoming matters. I am therefore seeking your agreement to a 30-day extension of time under section 15AA of the FOI Act. If you agree to this extension, the new due date for us to decide on your request will be 6 July 2025.
Please let us know if you agree by 12 May 2025.
Explanation of Extension of Time Request:
The reason I am seeking an extension of time is to ensure I preserve your review rights under the FOI Act.
FOI applicants are normally entitled to exercise a right of internal review if they are unsatisfied with the outcome of an FOI decision. However, this right of review lapses if a FOI decision is not made within the statutory timeframe. This is because if an agency doesn’t issue their decision within the statutory timeframe, they are deemed to have refused the request for documents. If this situation happens, it will limit your options for formal review to only contacting the OAIC.
You are not obligated to agree to this request, you would still retain your review rights with our regulatory body OAIC (Office of the Australian Information Commission).
Irrelevant Information
Section 22 of the FOI Act allows an Agency to redact information from documents if that information would reasonably be regarded as irrelevant to a request for access.
Given the nature of your request, it does not seem that NDIA staff members’ surnames and contact details would be relevant to you. Can you please send me a reply email confirming that such details are irrelevant to your request for access?
Action Required
1. Can I please request a response regarding our request for a 30 day extension of time, by 12 May 2025.
Next steps
I have completed some preliminary work on your request, however your matter will be allocated to an authorised FOI decision-maker for any further action. The decision-maker may need to contact you to discuss a range of matters, including refining the scope of your request.
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please advise if you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or need help, please contact us at [NDIA request email].
Regards,
Saoirse
She/Her
Triage Officer – Triage and Early Resolution
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [NDIA request email]
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Dear Stuart,
I apologise for the delay in processing your request for information, I'm
writing to provide you with an update on your request.
Progress Update
Your request has now been allocated for processing and an internal
consultation with the relevant line area has commenced.
We have been advised by the line area that they are currently experiencing
delays.
Next steps
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out
[1][email address]
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [2][NDIA request email]
[3]NDIA logo
[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
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Dear Stuart,
I apologise for the delay in processing your request for information, I'm
writing to request clarification of your request.
We have been advised that the information you have requested is only
available on a quarterly basis. As your request was received on 07 May
2025 the most recent quarter available is Q3 of the 2024/2025 financial
year.
Can you please confirm if you are happy to clarify the date range of your
request to be for data as of 31 March 2025 of the 2024/2025 financial
year.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out
[1][email address].
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [2][NDIA request email]
[3]NDIA logo
[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
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From: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 10 July 2025 9:49 AM
To: Stuart <[FOI #13127 email]>
Cc: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 24/25-24/24-1937 (LEXD 440) – Your request for
information – Progress Update [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Stuart,
I apologise for the delay in processing your request for information, I'm
writing to provide you with an update on your request.
Progress Update
Your request has now been allocated for processing and an internal
consultation with the relevant line area has commenced.
We have been advised by the line area that they are currently experiencing
delays.
Next steps
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out
[6][email address]
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [7][NDIA request email]
[8]NDIA logo
[9]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
[10]A white sign with green text Description automatically generated
Dear Stuart,
Further to my previous email sent on 28 July 2025, I am writing to seek
clarification of your request.
I have been advised by the Analytics, Data and Actuarial Division that
they can provide the below information as this information is in line with
the Agency’s operational workflow.
Could you please confirm whether you are happy to revise the scope of your
request to be for the following?
The total number of open plan change cases at 31 March 2025:
a) those that have been awaiting a decision for 21 days or less.
b) those that have been awaiting a decision for 112 days or more.
Please note, if no response is received to this email by 07 August 2025,
we will continue to process your request based on the new proposed scope.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our team
[1][email address].
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [2][NDIA request email]
[3]NDIA logo
[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
[5]A white sign with green text Description automatically generated
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 09:14
To: 'Stuart' <[FOI #13127 email]>
Cc: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 24/25-24/24-1937 (LEXD 440) – Your request for
information – Clarification [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Stuart,
I apologise for the delay in processing your request for information, I'm
writing to request clarification of your request.
We have been advised that the information you have requested is only
available on a quarterly basis. As your request was received on 07 May
2025 the most recent quarter available is Q3 of the 2024/2025 financial
year.
Can you please confirm if you are happy to clarify the date range of your
request to be for data as of 31 March 2025 of the 2024/2025 financial
year.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out
[6][email address].
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [7][NDIA request email]
[8]NDIA logo
[9]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
[10]A white sign with green text Description automatically generated
From: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 10 July 2025 9:49 AM
To: Stuart <[FOI #13127 email]>
Cc: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 24/25-24/24-1937 (LEXD 440) – Your request for
information – Progress Update [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Stuart,
I apologise for the delay in processing your request for information, I'm
writing to provide you with an update on your request.
Progress Update
Your request has now been allocated for processing and an internal
consultation with the relevant line area has commenced.
We have been advised by the line area that they are currently experiencing
delays.
Next steps
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out
[11][email address]
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [12][NDIA request email]
[13]NDIA logo
[14]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
[15]A white sign with green text Description automatically generated
Dear Megan,
We can proceed with the revised scope you have suggested, but only if the number of "open plan change cases" means "a plan change request where the agency has not yet made a decision or requested further time under s47A or s48 of the NDIS Act".
If "open plan change cases" include cases where the agency has requested further time under s 47A(4)(d), the revised scope would no longer be fit for purpose.
I'm trying to ascertain how many plan reassessment/variation requests are addressed within the prescribed 21-day time frame, and then, how many requests that are not addressed within the 21-day period become deemed decisions reviewable by the Administrative Review Tribunal. This occurs on or around 112 days after a request for a plan variation/reassessment is made by the participant if the agency have not yet made a decision by that date.
If "open plan change cases" does include plan variation requests where the agency has informed the participant they need more time under s 47A(4)(d), BUT, the data team are able to also provide the number of requests where that occurred, that may be sufficient? Although I imagine that leaves more room for error when I am trying to interpret the data for this purpose.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart
Dear Stuart,
Thank you for your email requesting further clarification on the proposed
revised scope.
I have discussed your queries with Service Delivery and the Analytics,
Data and Actuarial Division, they have confirmed the following information
for the purposes of this request.
o A plan change request is where the agency has not yet made a decision
or requested further time under s47A or s48 of the NDIS Act.
o The breakdown of data into 21 days or less or 112 days or more should
sufficiently answer your request, as the number of days are calculated
as the dates between the request creation date and 31 March 2025.
If you are satisfied with the above clarification, we will proceed to
produce the data for;
The total number of open plan change requests at 31 March 2025:
a) those that have been awaiting a decision for 21 days or less.
b) those that have been awaiting a decision for 112 days or more.
If you require any further clarification or have any further questions
please do not hesitate to reach out [email address].
Kind Regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [1][NDIA request email]
[2]NDIA logo
[3]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
[4]A white sign with green text Description automatically generated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Stuart <[FOI #13127 email]>
Sent: 04 August 2025 15:16
To: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Subject: RE: FOI 24/25-24/24-1937 (LEXD 440) – Your request for
information – Clarification [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Megan,
We can proceed with the revised scope you have suggested, but only if the
number of "open plan change cases" means "a plan change request where the
agency has not yet made a decision or requested further time under s47A or
s48 of the NDIS Act".
If "open plan change cases" include cases where the agency has requested
further time under s 47A(4)(d), the revised scope would no longer be fit
for purpose.
I'm trying to ascertain how many plan reassessment/variation requests are
addressed within the prescribed 21-day time frame, and then, how many
requests that are not addressed within the 21-day period become deemed
decisions reviewable by the Administrative Review Tribunal. This occurs on
or around 112 days after a request for a plan variation/reassessment is
made by the participant if the agency have not yet made a decision by that
date.
If "open plan change cases" does include plan variation requests where the
agency has informed the participant they need more time under s 47A(4)(d),
BUT, the data team are able to also provide the number of requests where
that occurred, that may be sufficient? Although I imagine that leaves more
room for error when I am trying to interpret the data for this purpose.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart
Dear Megan,
I hope you are well.
The NDIS Q4 Quarterly Report was completed and published last week. If you haven’t done so already, please follow up this request with the line area, as hopefully they will be ready to supply the necessary information now without any further delays.
Thank you,
Stuart
Dear Stuart,
Thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we process your
request for information.
Please find attached correspondence and documents in relation to your
request.
If you require these in a different format, please let us know.
Please contact us at [1][NDIA request email] if you have any questions or
require help.
Kind regards
Megan
Freedom of Information Officer
Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch
Reviews and Information Release Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [2][NDIA request email]
[3]NDIA logo
[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
[5]A white sign with green text Description automatically generated