Your step-by-step guide to appealing an NDIS decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal — in plain language, for participants and practitioners.
I am a:
💡 What is the ART? The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is an independent body that can review NDIS decisions. If you think the NDIA got it wrong — your plan was cut, a support was rejected, or your access was refused — you have the right to challenge it. This guide walks you through exactly how.
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Time Limit
You have 28 days from receiving your decision to request an internal review. Don't wait.
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Cost
Applying to the ART is free. You do not need a lawyer, but you can have support.
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What Can Be Reviewed
Plan funding decisions, access decisions, support rejections, plan management decisions.
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Your Right
Lodging a review cannot result in your plan being cut further as a consequence.
The Appeals Pathway — Step by Step
1
Get your decision in writing
Call the NDIA (1800 800 110) and ask for your decision letter if you haven't received one. You need this to start the process.
⏱ Do this immediately
2
Request an Internal Review (NDIA)
Before going to the ART, you must first ask the NDIA to review their own decision. Call 1800 800 110 or write to them. Ask for a "review of a reviewable decision." They have 21 days to respond.
⏱ Within 28 days of your decision
3
If the internal review fails — apply to the ART
If the NDIA upholds their decision or doesn't respond in time, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Apply online at art.gov.au or call 1800 228 333.
⏱ Within 28 days of internal review outcome
4
Attend conciliation (most cases resolve here)
The ART will first try to resolve your case through conciliation — an informal meeting with the NDIA. You can bring a support person. Most cases are resolved at this stage.
5
Hearing (if conciliation fails)
If conciliation doesn't resolve it, a Tribunal Member will make a binding decision. You can represent yourself or have someone support you.
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My Review Tracker
Fill this in as you go — bring it to every meeting.
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What to say — scripts for you
When calling the NDIA to request internal review
"I am calling to request a review of a reviewable decision. I received a decision on [date] and I believe it is incorrect. I would like to formally request an internal review under Section 100 of the NDIS Act."
If they say you can't review it
"I understand that is your position, but I have a right to request a review of any reviewable decision under the NDIS Act. Please note my request formally and provide me with a reference number."
At conciliation — opening statement
"I am here because I believe the NDIA's decision does not reflect my actual support needs. I have evidence that was not considered in the original decision. I would like the opportunity to present that evidence today."
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Free support available to you
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Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
1800 228 333 · art.gov.au · Free to apply
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Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
Find your local free disability advocate at dana.org.au
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NDIA Internal Reviews
1800 800 110 · Ask for "review of reviewable decision"
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Community Legal Centres (QLD)
clcq.org.au — Free legal help for NDIS matters
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Mackay — Disability Connect QLD
Local advocacy and support for NDIS participants in the Mackay region
💡 Your role in the ART process: As a practitioner or support worker, you can play a critical role in helping participants navigate appeals — gathering evidence, preparing submissions, attending conciliation, and advocating for the participant's genuine support needs. This section gives you the tools to do that effectively.
⚠️ Important: You are supporting the participant's self-advocacy — not making decisions for them. Always ensure the participant understands each step and consents to how you are representing their needs. If legal matters arise, refer to a disability lawyer or advocate.
Your Role — Stage by Stage
1
Identify reviewable decisions early
When a participant receives a decision that reduces supports, rejects access, or removes funding — flag it immediately. The 28-day internal review window starts from the date of the decision letter, not when they tell you about it.
⏱ Act within 48 hours of learning about it
2
Build the evidence package
This is your most powerful contribution. Gather: functional assessments, OT/allied health reports, GP letters, support worker observation notes, daily life impact statements, and any previous plans showing supports were historically funded.
3
Draft the internal review submission
Write a structured submission that: names the decision being challenged, cites the s34 reasonable and necessary criteria, links each support need to specific evidence, and uses the participant's own words where possible.
4
Prepare the participant for conciliation
Role-play the conciliation meeting. Coach them on: what to say, what to avoid, how to respond to NDIA pushback, and how to centre their daily lived experience rather than clinical language.
5
Attend as support person (with consent)
You can attend conciliation as the participant's support person. Your role is to help them communicate — not to speak for them unless they ask. Take detailed notes of everything said and agreed to.
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Evidence Package Checklist
Tick off as you gather each item.
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Copy of the NDIA decision letter (with date)
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Current functional assessment (OT, physio, speech pathology)
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GP or specialist letter addressing functional impact
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Support worker / carer observation notes (dated, specific)
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Participant's own statement (in their words — daily life impact)
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Previous NDIS plan showing same supports were historically funded
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Evidence of what happens on bad days (photos, diary, medical notes)
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Any informal support evidence (family carer hours, community reliance)
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s34 reasonable and necessary argument mapped to each support
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Submission Planner
Use this to draft your internal review submission.
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Scripts for conciliation
Opening — establishing your role
"I'm here as [participant's name]'s support person. They have asked me to help them communicate their support needs today. I'll be supporting them to share their own experience — [participant] will speak for themselves where possible."
When the NDIA references the SNA only
"We acknowledge the SNA result. However, we have additional functional evidence that was not available at the time of assessment. We'd like to present that evidence today and ask that it be considered in full before any decision is confirmed."
When the NDIA says "the decision is final"
"We understand that is the NDIA's current position. Our purpose today is to ensure all relevant evidence is on record. If the matter cannot be resolved here, we are prepared to proceed to a Tribunal hearing."