2026 Sydney National Series:
Care Leaders HR, Finance & Compliance Summit - NDIS, SIL Providers
Date : Thur 27th Aug 2026
Venue : Club York
95-99 York St, Sydney
9.00am - 4.30pm
Leading Finance, Compliance and Care into 2026 and Beyond
This event has now concluded - thank you to Sponsors, Speakers and all who travelled to attend this event
**Added to the program **
The NDIS Bill Has Passed.
Here's what changes, When — and what's still not answered.
Find out at this event
NDISLINK Finance, Governance, Risk & Compliance Summit 2026 - Building Stronger, More Sustainable NDIS and Aged Care Organisations
The NDIS and aged care sectors are entering one of the most significant periods of reform in recent years. Increased regulatory oversight, heightened compliance expectations, workforce pressures, rising operating costs and evolving funding models are requiring providers to rethink the way they govern, manage risk and build sustainable organisations.
The NDISLINK Finance, Governance, Risk & Compliance Summit 2026 has been developed to provide practical, executive-level guidance for organisations operating across disability and aged care. Bringing together leading specialists in taxation, industrial relations, employment law, governance, finance, insurance, compliance and supported accommodation, the Summit delivers critical insights into the issues that will shape provider sustainability throughout 2026 and beyond.
Throughout the day, delegates will explore the financial, legal and operational challenges impacting providers, from organisational structures and tax planning through to employer obligations, SCHADS Award compliance, fraud prevention, insurance, restrictive practice governance and business acquisitions.
The program also examines the future of Supported Independent Living (SIL), including the significant reforms that are reshaping commissioning, funding and long-term provider viability.
Designed as a highly practical event, each session focuses on real-world risks, emerging regulatory developments and strategies that organisations can implement immediately to strengthen governance, improve financial performance and reduce compliance exposure.
Whether your organisation is expanding, preparing for future reforms, reviewing its governance framework or seeking to better protect its business, this Summit provides the knowledge and connections needed to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
The NDISLINK Finance, Governance, Risk & Compliance Summit 2026 has been developed to equip providers with the knowledge, practical strategies and industry connections needed to strengthen organisational resilience, improve financial sustainability and confidently navigate the future of disability and aged care service delivery.
Keynote Speakers
Andreia Lemos
Director, Global Expatriate & Employment Taxes
BDO
Andreia is a Director in BDO’s Global Expatriate & Employment Taxes team in Brisbane, specialising in payroll compliance and remediation. She is recognised for her technical expertise, practical understanding of awards and enterprise agreements, and her ability to lead complex payroll matters with clarity and precision.
She works with organisations to identify and resolve payroll non-compliance, delivering large-scale remediation programs.
Her expertise includes interpreting industrial instruments, reconstructing employee entitlements, and implementing clear, structured communication strategies, while strengthening long-term payroll governance.
Andreia has led major payroll reviews for ASX-listed organisations and has experience navigating complex Fair Work obligations, including enforceable undertakings.
She brings over ten years of specialised experience in payroll compliance and remediation.
Dr Mark Hunn
CEO, NDIStress
Dr Mark Hunn is the CEO of NDIStress and a leading governance and compliance specialist within the Australian NDIS sector.
A practising solicitor with more than 25 years of experience across corporate, government, and not-for-profit environments, Mark specialises in regulatory compliance, risk management, and organisational governance.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Law, a Master of Laws, and a Doctorate in Corporate Leadership in the NDIS, focusing on governance capability and leadership within disability service organisations.
Through NDIStress, Mark works with Community Service providers across Australia to strengthen compliance systems, reduce regulatory risk, and build sustainable, participant-focused organisations.
His work focuses particularly on high-risk areas such as restrictive practices, governance failures, and emerging regulatory reforms.
Mark is a regular presenter and educator within the sector. Having been featured in Forbes Australia, CEO Weekly and Business Insider, he is known for translating complex regulatory requirements into practical strategies that help providers protect participants while operating strong, compliant businesses.
David Moody
Management Governance Australia
David brings over 30 years of experience across the private, public, and not for profit sectors, with deep expertise in disability reform, housing, workforce, and system change.
David is an executive with the MGA Group—an alliance of purpose driven organisations comprising Management Governance Australia (MGA) Pty Ltd, Workforce Plus Inc (a registered NDIS provider), and the Australian Renewables Academy (ARA).
Together, the Group delivers integrated strategic advisory, workforce development, nationally accredited training, and employment solutions across Australia, with a strong focus on regional and remote communities.
This work is grounded in practical delivery realities, provider risk, and long term participant needs.
Previously, David was CEO and Victorian State Manager of National Disability Services. Prior to that, he led the central Victorian Government team that coordinated Victoria’s contribution to the design and implementation of the NDIS.
Earlier in his career, David worked as a lawyer and as a senior executive in the Victorian Public Service.
Sukhy Bansal
Chartered Accountant and Fractional CFO
ERS Advisory
Sukhy Bansal, CA is a Chartered Accountant and Fractional CFO with over 20 years' experience helping businesses strengthen financial performance, improve cash flow and build sustainable growth.
Through ERS Advisory, she works alongside business owners and leadership teams as their fractional CFO, providing strategic financial advice that goes beyond traditional accounting.
Sukhy has extensive experience working with NDIS and healthcare providers, helping organisations better understand their numbers, improve profitability, strengthen financial governance and make confident business decisions.
She is passionate about translating complex financial information into practical insights that leaders can use to grow resilient, financially sustainable organisations.
A regular speaker at industry conferences and events, Sukhy delivers practical, engaging sessions that equip providers with the financial knowledge and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
Jeremy Thornton
Director
Insurance Advisernet
Jeremy Thornton is an experienced general insurance adviser and business risk specialist with Complete Risk Solutions / Insurance Advisernet Mid North Coast. Based in NSW, Jeremy works closely with businesses and organisations to understand their risks and develop tailored insurance solutions.
A key area of Jeremy’s work is supporting SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) providers and NDIS providers, helping organisations operating in the disability sector navigate their particular insurance and risk-management requirements. His approach combines specialist insurance knowledge with an understanding of the operational risks faced by providers working within the NDIS ecosystem.
Jeremy also has a strong background in business and community leadership, including serving as President of the Manning Valley Business Chamber.
He holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Broking) and Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB) accreditation through NIBA.
Agenda
8.40am - 8.55am
Registration and arrival
9.00am - 9.15am
Welcome and introductions
9.15am - 9.45am
Why Revenue doesn't equal profit: The Financial Metrics every NDIS Provider should be tracking
Sukhy Bansal
ERS Advisory
Strong revenue does not always translate into a financially sustainable NDIS business.
With rising workforce costs, payroll obligations, pricing pressures and increasing regulatory expectations, providers need greater visibility over the financial drivers that impact profitability and long-term viability.
This practical session explores the key financial metrics every NDIS provider should be monitoring to make informed business decisions and maintain financial sustainability.
Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of labour costs, payroll compliance, gross margins, cash flow, budgeting and financial controls, and how these measures influence operational performance and profitability.
The session will also highlight common financial risks facing providers and provide practical strategies to strengthen financial governance, improve decision-making and build a resilient organisation in an increasingly challenging operating environment.
Key Topics
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Why revenue alone is not a measure of business success
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Understanding labour costs, payroll compliance and workforce profitability
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Gross margin, operating margin and key financial performance indicators
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Cash flow management and financial forecasting
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Budgeting, cost control and financial governance
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Financial risks, compliance obligations and maintaining a sustainable NDIS business
9.45am - 10.15am
SCHADS Award 2026: Workforce Compliance, Cost Pressures and Cross-Sector Risk in NDIS and Aged Care
Andreia Lemos
BDO
Workforce compliance under the SCHADS Award continues to present one of the most complex and financially significant challenges for providers operating across NDIS and aged care in 2026.
As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and workforce models become more dynamic, organisations are increasingly exposed to underpayment risk, misclassification, and inconsistent application of industrial obligations across service streams.
This session provides a practical and strategic examination of how the SCHADS Award is being applied in complex care environments, particularly where providers operate across both disability and aged care frameworks.
It will clarify key areas of overlap and divergence between SCHADS and evolving aged care award conditions, highlighting where organisations are most vulnerable to compliance gaps.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into interpreting classifications and allowances, managing rostering and shift arrangements, and aligning payroll systems with award requirements. The session will also explore common compliance failures identified through audits and disputes, and outline practical approaches to strengthening internal governance, reducing financial exposure, and maintaining sustainable workforce models.
Designed for senior executives and operational leaders, this session equips providers with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate workforce compliance with confidence, protect organisational viability, and respond effectively to increasing regulatory and financial pressure.
10.15am - 10.30am
Q & A and panel
10.30am - 10.45am
Morning tea
10.45am - 11.15am
The NDIS Bill Has Passed. Here's what changes, When — and What's still not answered.
David will provide a practical, no-fluff briefing on the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 — now law, with a 2-year implementation runway that has real gaps.
We will unpack
● What the Bill actually changes, and what it doesn't
● The key sequencing and timelines providers need to plan around
● What it means for providers, participants and families
● The 5 things worth tracking over the next 90 days
11.15am - 11.40am
NDIS Integrity, Compliance & Fraud Risk Management
David Moody
Management Governance Australia
With the continued strengthening of NDIS integrity measures in 2026, providers are expected to demonstrate robust systems for financial accountability, ethical billing, and operational transparency.
This session provides an in-depth examination of compliance risk, fraud exposure, and governance obligations under the evolving integrity framework.
Attendees will gain practical guidance on implementing internal controls, preparing for audits and reviews, responding to regulator enquiries, and reducing the risk of funding recovery, sanctions, or reputational damage.
The session focuses on prevention, preparedness, and defensible operational practices.
11.40am - 12.15pm
Protect Your Bottom Line: The Provider’s Role in Preventing Restrictive Practice Breaches
Mark Hunn
NDIStress
Understand how NDIS providers can reduce organisational risk, strengthen compliance, and avoid significant financial penalties associated with restrictive practice breaches — with fines potentially exceeding $300,000.
Restrictive practices are no longer viewed solely as a clinical, behaviour support or frontline service issue.
Under the evolving NDIS regulatory environment, providers are increasingly being held accountable for the governance, oversight, reporting and management of restrictive practices across their organisation.
With heightened scrutiny from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, stronger compliance expectations and the potential for significant civil penalties, providers must ensure they have robust systems, governance frameworks and workforce practices in place to identify, reduce and appropriately manage restrictive practices.
This session will explore the latest regulatory expectations, emerging compliance risks and the practical steps providers can take to protect participants while safeguarding their organisation from financial, operational and reputational harm.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where provider liability sits, what regulators are looking for, and how proactive governance can minimise risk and strengthen organisational resilience.
Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of how to reduce restrictive practice risks, strengthen organisational compliance, and prepare for increasing regulatory scrutiny in the NDIS environment.
12.15pm - 12.45pm
Lunch
12.45pm - 1.15pm
Workforce Compliance: Managing your greatest Compliance Risk - What every NDIS Provider needs to know in 2026
In 2026, workforce compliance has become one of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's key regulatory priorities.
Providers are expected to demonstrate not only that workers are appropriately screened and trained, but also that they have effective workforce governance, documented competency, ongoing supervision, and evidence-based compliance systems aligned with the NDIS Practice Standards.
Auditors are increasingly examining how organisations implement these requirements in practice—not just whether policies exist.
This session provides a practical update on the latest workforce compliance expectations and the steps providers should take to strengthen governance, reduce risk, and prepare for audits.
Delegates will gain practical guidance on building an audit-ready workforce while ensuring safe, high-quality supports for participants.
Key Topics
2026 workforce compliance updates and regulatory priorities
Worker Screening Checks and ongoing workforce monitoring
Competency, training and mandatory induction requirements
Workforce governance and management accountability
Supervision, performance and evidence of capability
Preparing for audits and demonstrating compliance under the NDIS Practice Standards
Common workforce compliance risks and how to avoid them
1.15pm - 1.45pm
Insurance under pressure: Managing Risk, Claims and Liability in NDIS Services
Jeremy Thornton
Insurance Advisernet
Insurance costs and policy conditions continue to evolve as provider risks increase.
This session explores the key insurance exposures facing NDIS providers, including public liability, professional indemnity, cyber, workers' compensation and management liability.
Delegates will gain practical insights into reducing risk, managing claims and ensuring their insurance program supports business continuity and compliance.
1.45pm - 2.15pm
Buying or Selling an Existing NDIS Business
Mergers, acquisitions, and exits within the NDIS sector require careful navigation of financial, legal, and compliance risk.
This session examines the full lifecycle of buying or selling an NDIS business, including valuation drivers, due diligence priorities, regulatory considerations, and transition planning.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of common transaction risks, compliance red flags, and strategies to protect service continuity, workforce stability, and funding integrity during ownership change.
2.15pm - 3.30pm
Panel and Q & A
3.30pm - 4.30pm
Networking and depart
Workshops on the above or appointments
The above topics are delivered as comprehensive presentations, providing a powerful, in-depth overview of each subject and including opportunities for Q&A.
If you require further clarification or wish to discuss any topic in more detail, you can request a one-on-one appointment with the Speaker by completing the form below, or by contacting the Speaker directly.
Additionally, we can host tailored workshops on any of the topics listed above. These workshops at at 50% reduced rate for Summit attendees and appointment service or request only applies to Summit attendees
Please fill in the form to submit your interest or request a follow-up consultation.
Disclaimer :
Please note that the below program serves as a guide.
NDISLINK Events and Conferences and all Partners will make every reasonable effort to adhere to the advertised schedule, speakers, and topics; however, we reserve the right to modify the program, substitute speakers, or adjust session content at any time without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
NDISLINK Events and Conferences accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or expenses incurred as a result of changes to the event format, program, speakers, or schedule.