The Risks of Hiring Independent Support Workers in Australia

So, you’re navigating the NDIS and thinking about hiring an independent support worker. Sounds great, right? More choice, more control, maybe even a better personality fit. But before you jump in, let’s talk about the stuff no one likes to mention—the risks that come with going independent. Let’s break it down in a real, no-nonsense way, so you can make informed choices for yourself or your loved ones. Why Go Independent? The appeal is real. Independent support workers (sole traders with an ABN) can often be more flexible, more affordable, and more available than larger providers. You might even find “the one” who just gets you or your loved one’s needs. Plus, online platforms make it super easy to connect with independent workers. But here’s the thing: independence doesn’t always mean “no problems.” The Risks You Need to Watch Out For 1. Less Oversight, More Responsibility for You Registered NDIS providers have to jump through a ton of hoops—audits, compliance checks, strict quality s...