Dietitians Australia calls for stronger nutrition safeguards in NDIS support coordination
Dietitians Australia is calling on the Australian Government to explicitly recognise food, nutrition, hydration, eating and drinking needs in its proposed NDIS Support Coordination and Connection (SCC) service.
In its submission to the 2026 consultation, Dietitians Australia warns that failure to recognise and respond to nutrition and mealtime risks can result in preventable harm, including malnutrition, choking and interruptions to essential nutrition supports.
Support coordinators must be equipped to identify nutrition-related risks, facilitate timely access to Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs), and escalate concerns when recommended care is delayed or cannot be implemented.
Dietitians Australia recommends:
- A multi-provider commissioning model that protects participant choice, independent referrals and access to specialist dietetic services, including small providers.
- Clear identification and escalation pathways for complex disability-related nutrition needs, including swallowing difficulties, tube feeding and interrupted nutrition supplies.
- Adequate funding for coordination, communication and follow-up, alongside separately funded clinical dietetic services.
- APD-led education and training to help support coordinators recognise nutrition risks, understand clinical responsibilities and facilitate appropriate care.
- Continuity of care, protecting established practitioner relationships and improving access in regional, rural and remote communities.
Dietitians Australia is advocating for an NDIS support coordination system that recognises nutrition as essential to participant safety, protects access to specialist APD expertise and ensures people with disability receive the right support when they need it.
Read Dietitians Australia’s full submission.