SILSDA Queensland Maximising SIL Impact Conference Agenda  

Registration and Arrival 

Welcome and Introductions 

The success of the NDIS model depends on collaborative, participant-centred approaches — and at the heart of every successful collaboration between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers is clear, respectful, and consistent communication.

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This session explores how effective language, aligned values, and proactive communication strategies can bridge gaps between providers, eliminate misunderstandings, and create a unified experience for participants. When SIL and SDA teams share goals and communicate openly, they can reduce  service duplication, enhance continuity of support, and build homes where participants feel safe, respected, and empowered.

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We’ll discuss how early engagement, shared documentation, and clear roles and responsibilities are essential in building sustainable working relationships that lead to stronger participant outcomes and long-term business success.

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Key Themes:

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• The role of language in setting expectations and maintaining respectful partnerships

• Communication strategies that support proactive problem-solving and accountability

• Creating shared goals and consistent messaging across teams

• Participant-led approaches to ensure choice, control, and satisfaction

• Building trust and transparency through regular reviews and shared documentation

With SDA vacancy rates on the rise—particularly in High Physical Support homes—the sector is under increasing pressure from the NDIA, participants, and communities to deliver better tenancy outcomes.

At the same time, the NDIS Navigator role is being introduced in 2025, designed to streamline access to supports and replace existing roles like Support Coordinators and LACs in the coming years.

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This session will explore how SIL providers, Support Coordinators, and LACs can leverage the early rollout of the Navigator framework to improve housing matching, communication, and cross-provider planning.

We’ll unpack the root causes of persistent vacancies, including mismatches between home features and participant needs, and the challenges of participant compatibility.

The presentation will highlight forward-thinking solutions such as collaborative intake planning, the development of internal “housemate-matching platforms,” and strategies to align SIL and SDA partnerships more closely.

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Appendix H of the SDA Price Guide is a misunderstood but essential mechanism that allows NDIS participants with SDA funding to live with individuals who are not SDA-funded.

Often overlooked by providers and support coordinators, Appendix H does not require NDIA approval and is not a separate SDA category. Instead, it provides critical flexibility in housing arrangements, enabling more inclusive and person-centred living options.

This session will unpack the purpose, misconceptions, and practical application of Appendix H—and explore how greater awareness can help remove unnecessary barriers to housing.

Morning tea 

This session will provide a step-by-step approach to ensuring smooth and successful transitions for individuals moving from hospital settings into Specialist Disability Accommodation  or Supported Independent Living . The focus will be on overcoming common challenges and avoiding pitfalls that can hinder the transition process.

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Hospital discharges, particularly for individuals with complex needs, can be fraught with difficulties. Delays in NDIS plan approvals, accommodation shortages, and inadequate support services often contribute to extended stays in healthcare settings. This session will address how to streamline these transitions, ensuring that participants are supported in moving from hospital to suitable SDA or SIL accommodations, while maximizing their independence and quality of life.

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This session will equip healthcare professionals, SDA/SIL providers, and support coordinators with the tools and strategies necessary to facilitate a seamless transition from hospital to home, helping participants achieve successful, long-term outcomes.

SIL providers face increasing challenges in managing worker ratios while delivering high-quality care.

Striking the right balance between compliance, participant needs, and financial sustainability is becoming a pressing concern, especially as providers struggle to keep their businesses viable in an evolving regulatory landscape.

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This session will explore:

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• Staffing Ratios & Compliance challenges: Understanding NDIS requirements, managing complex participant needs, and avoiding penalties.

• Mandatory Registration & Workforce Shortages: What the new worker screening and registration requirements mean for SIL providers and how to prepare.

• Managing Workforce Retention & Training: Strategies to reduce turnover, prevent burnout, and build a skilled workforce.

• Financial & Operational Struggles: Addressing the rising costs of staffing, meeting participant expectations, and keeping your business afloat.​

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Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on navigating workforce pressures while maintaining service quality and financial sustainability.

This session will provide SIL, STA, and MTA providers with practical solutions to adapt, survive, and thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.

• How SIL providers can lean on a more adaptive, cross-agency model during funding or system uncertainty

• The proactive use of empty SDA homes as a safety net

• Collaboration to better support individuals in child protection, justice, or crisis pathways

• A long-term approach to strengthening SIL delivery through unpredictability

Networking and Lunch  

With NDIS reforms enforcing mandatory registration for SIL providers and increasing compliance expectations for Specialist Disability Accommodation  providers, ensuring audit readiness and operational compliance is now a top priority.

Providers must meet NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards while balancing service quality, operational efficiency, and risk management.

This session will provide practical strategies, compliance insights, and internal audit techniques to help SIL and SDA providers proactively prepare for audits and strengthen their compliance frameworks.

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Key topics include:

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• Conducting effective internal audits to identify gaps before external audits

• Audit readiness strategies—documentation, evidence collection, and risk mitigation

• Aligning SDA and SIL policies, procedures, and governance with NDIS Practice Standards

• Common compliance pitfalls and how to mitigate risks proactively

• Balancing regulatory requirements with operational excellence and quality service delivery

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This session is a must-attend for SIL and SDA providers seeking to take control of their compliance journey, streamline internal audit processes, and ensure audit success under the evolving NDIS regulatory framework.

As SIL providers strive to maintain high-quality care for participants, navigating the evolving compliance landscape becomes an increasingly complex challenge.

Recent Federal Court rulings have reinforced the NDIA’s authority to impose payment holds, highlighting the need for strict adherence to the NDIS Act and accurate record-keeping. However, cases such as Affinity Care Services Pty Ltd v NDIA and Northern Disability Services Pty Ltd v NDIA also bring to light concerns about procedural fairness, delayed payments, and the financial pressures they impose on providers.

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With over 1,000 active payment holds disrupting vital services, providers face significant financial risks, which in turn affect their ability to deliver the best care for participants.

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This session will address:

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• How NDIA payment holds impact SIL business operations and financial sustainability.

• The challenges of balancing compliance with the financial realities of running a business while prioritising participant care.

• Practical strategies for minimizing payment holds and ensuring the financial health of your organisation.

• Approaches to challenging unreasonable NDIA decisions without compromising the quality of care provided to participants.

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This session will empower SIL providers to safeguard their cash flow and business sustainability while navigating the complex balance between regulatory compliance and the best interests of their participants.

As the NDIS continues to expand, the safety of workers within Supported Independent Living  and Specialist Disability Accommodation  settings has become a top priority.

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This session will focus on the challenges and strategies for enhancing worker safety while reducing incidents of violence in these environments. By exploring the unique needs of people with disabilities in SIL and SDA settings, the discussion will cover practical measures to protect staff, promote a culture of safety, and address challenging behaviours in a way that minimizes risk.

Attendees will gain insights into best practices for training, incident management, and creating safe spaces for both participants and workers, all while aligning with NDIS priorities for 2025.​

With the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters such as cyclones, floods, and bushfires, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in Impact Housing, Supported Independent Living , and Specialist Disability Accommodation is more critical than ever.

Many residents rely on life support systems, mobility aids, and high-support care, making them particularly susceptible during emergencies.

A well-structured emergency response plan must not only mitigate immediate risks but also incorporate a robust ‘Plan B’ that aligns with regulatory requirements to ensure the continuity of care and protection of those most at risk.

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This session will examine key aspects of emergency preparedness, including the development of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), compliance-driven relocation strategies, and energy resilience solutions such as battery backups for life-sustaining medical equipment

It will also highlight the necessity of proactive contingency planning—ensuring alternative accommodation, support networks, and effective emergency service coordination are established before disaster strikes.

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A crucial element of this preparedness is the integration of hospital networks. Hospitals serve as critical partners in disaster response, offering medical stabilisation, temporary care, and coordinated transfers for individuals with high-support needs.

Establishing clear communication channels and protocols between housing providers, emergency services, and hospitals ensures timely intervention and appropriate care pathways during evacuations.

Compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks further underscores the need to embed hospital resources into emergency plans, safeguarding access to essential medical services when relocation becomes unavoidable.

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By drawing insights from recent disaster responses, regulatory updates, and industry best practices, this session will equip providers, emergency planners, and healthcare stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance emergency preparedness and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents in Impact Housing, SIL, and SDA settings.

Panel Q & A  and audience engagement 

Close and networking