What if an NDIS worker treats me disrespectfully or unsafely?
NDIS workers must treat you with respect and act safely and honestly under the NDIS Code of Conduct, and you can request a different worker and raise conduct concerns without fear of losing your supports. Disrespectful, coercive, misleading or exploitative behaviour is a recognised concern you can report to your provider and to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Last reviewed 24 September 2026 · Source: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Something worth thinking about
It is easy to explain away one bad interaction as a “off day” — but if a worker in a position of trust makes you feel small or unsafe, whose comfort is really being protected when you stay quiet?
What you have a right to expect
- To be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
- Workers who act safely, honestly and within the NDIS Code of Conduct.
- The right to request a different worker.
- The right to raise conduct concerns without losing your supports.
What you can do
- 1
Prioritise your safety
If you feel unsafe right now, remove yourself from the situation and call 000 if there is immediate danger.
- 2
Record what happened
Note what was said or done, when, and who was present. Facts help your concern be taken seriously.
- 3
Raise it with the provider
Ask for a different worker and report the conduct through the provider’s complaints process.
- 4
Report to the Commission
Worker conduct concerns can go directly to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544, especially if the provider does not act.
Need a replacement provider? Post once — let them come to you.
If you decide to change providers, you can post one free MyCareMatch request. Providers who serve your area and support type respond, and you choose who to talk to. We never rank or recommend providers.
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The escalation pathway
You are legally protected from being punished for raising a concern.
1. Start with your provider
Every registered provider must give you a clear, accessible way to raise a concern and handle it fairly and promptly. Put the key points in writing and keep a copy.
2. Contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
If it is not resolved, or you would rather not go to the provider, you can contact the Commission on 1800 035 544 or through its website. You are legally protected from being punished for making a complaint.
3. Ask an independent advocate for support
A free, independent disability advocate can help you understand your options and speak up. You do not have to do this on your own.
4. Call 000 in an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 first. Safety comes before any complaint process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NDIS Code of Conduct?
The NDIS Code of Conduct sets the behaviour expected of workers and providers — acting safely and competently, with respect, honesty and integrity, and promptly raising and acting on concerns. Breaches can be reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Will reporting a worker affect my supports?
You are legally protected from being punished for raising a concern. You can request a different worker, and reporting conduct should not put the rest of your service at risk.
Related concerns & free support
- Feeling unsafe, harmed or neglected — The most serious concerns — call 000, and report directly.
- Support that doesn’t match your plan — When quality or worker skills fall short of what you need.
- How to make a complaint — The step-by-step pathway, from provider to Commission.
- Get matched with available providers free — Post one request and let providers with genuine availability come to you.
Still weighing up what to do?
Talk it through with Maya, or post one free request and let available providers come to you. You always choose — we never rank or recommend providers for you.