Advocacy Support for NDIS Review Matters
When a participant disagrees with a decision made by the National Disability Insurance Agency, they may seek a review through the Administrative Review Tribunal.
This process can feel complex and overwhelming, particularly when decisions involve detailed reports, NDIA reasoning and legislative criteria.
Propel Pathways provides independent advocacy support to help participants understand the decision they have received and organise the information needed for a review.
- Helping you understand the NDIA decision and the reasons given for it
- Reviewing the evidence relied upon by the NDIA and identifying gaps or inconsistencies
- Assisting to organise documentation and supporting reports for review proceedings
Standing beside participants when decisions are challenged.
Advocacy at Propel Pathways means providing clear, steady support when participants are navigating difficult decisions.
Review proceedings can feel overwhelming, particularly when reports, NDIA reasoning and legislative criteria are involved.
We help participants organise their information, understand the decision that has been made and prepare their documentation so their circumstances can be clearly communicated during the review process.
With lived experience navigating the NDIS system and a background in law, Propel Pathways brings calm, informed advocacy support when it matters most.
You lead. We follow.
Every review matter is different. Participants lead their own journey and decisions. Propel Pathways provides support to help organise information, clarify issues and ensure participants feel confident navigating the process.
- Helping you review decision letters and understand the reasoning relied upon.
- Clear and ethical support informed by knowledge of legislation and review processes.
- Helping organise reports, assessments and supporting documents.
- Support preparing for case conferences or tribunal hearings.
- Supporting you to communicate your circumstances clearly.
- Standing beside you through what can often be a stressful process.
ART Advocacy Engagement
Advocacy before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) requires careful preparation, detailed evidence analysis and properly structured submissions.
To ensure matters are prepared to an appropriate standard, ART Advocacy engagements are undertaken on a minimum engagement basis of 25 hours.
This typically includes:
Evidence Review and Submission Preparation: 20 hours
This stage involves detailed review and analysis of relevant documentation, including NDIS plans, functional assessments, allied health reports, prior decisions and correspondence with the NDIA. Work during this phase may include:
- identification of evidentiary gaps
- preparation of written submissions and supporting material
- development of a structured evidence narrative
- coordination of additional documentation where required
- management of the ART Hearing Directions process
Case Conference and Hearing Attendance: 5 hours
This stage includes preparation for and attendance at key Tribunal events, such as:
- case conferences
- directions hearings
- final hearing attendance where required
Time during this stage may include preparation discussions with the participant, attendance at the conference or hearing and post-event follow-up.
This structured approach ensures advocacy is grounded in evidence, decision reasoning and the participant’s individual circumstances. allowing matters to be presented clearly and effectively before the Tribunal.
Initial Decision & Evidence Review (mandatory)
Before commencing an ART Advocacy engagement, Propel Pathways requires completion of a mandatory Initial Decision & Evidence Review.
This preliminary stage allows for a structured review of the decision that has been made and the documentation currently available. The purpose of this review is to help participants better understand the NDIA’s reasoning, identify any gaps in the available evidence and clarify the issues raised in the decision.
The review typically involves examination of the key documents relevant to the decision, including:
- the participant’s current NDIS plan
- the most recent Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) or other functional evidence
- the NDIA Decision or Outcome Letter outlining the reasons for the decision
This review focuses on key decision documents and is not intended to analyse extensive report bundles unless otherwise agreed.
During this review, Propel Pathways will consider:
- the reasoning relied upon by the NDIA in the decision
- how the available evidence appears to support the participant’s functional circumstances
- whether there are potential evidence gaps or inconsistencies within the documentation
- whether additional documentation or clarification may assist in strengthening the matter
Following the review, individuals will receive a written summary outlining initial observations, evidence considerations and recommended next steps.
In some situations, the review may indicate that the current evidence may be unlikely to support a successful Tribunal review. Where this occurs, guidance may instead focus on evidence development, documentation improvements or alternative pathways within the NDIS review process.
This approach allows individuals to make informed, full choice and control decisions before committing to a full ART Advocacy engagement.
Fee Structure
The Initial Decision & Evidence Review is charged at the current NDIS Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination benchmark rate of $190.54 (plus GST) per hour.
Initial Decision & Evidence Review: (2 hours @ 190.54 plus GST) = $419.19 including GST.
Important Information
This review focuses on evidence, documentation and decision reasoning only. Propel Pathways does not provide legal advice or legal representation.
Engagement Fees
ART Advocacy Support is a privately funded service.
Propel Pathways charges in line with the current NDIS Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination benchmark rate, reflecting the level of evidence analysis, preparation and strategic advocacy required in Tribunal matters.
Hourly Rate $190.54 per hour (plus GST)
Minimum Engagement ART Advocacy matters are undertaken on a minimum engagement basis of 25 hours.
Standard Engagement Cost
25 hours × $190.54 (ex GST) = $5,239.85 (incl. GST)
This structured engagement allows sufficient time to properly analyse evidence, prepare submissions and represent the participant effectively during Tribunal proceedings.
If additional time becomes necessary due to complexity or Tribunal directions, this will always be discussed and agreed in advance.
If the matter resolves earlier than anticipated, any unused funds will be returned.
Important Information
This service provides evidence preparation and participant advocacy support only.
Services are privately funded and are not NDIS-funded supports.
Propel Pathways does not determine NDIS eligibility and does not provide legal advice or legal representation.
Individuals receiving ART Advocacy Support cannot simultaneously receive Support Coordination from Propel Pathways in order to avoid conflicts of interest.
These services are available to individuals and families who require assistance with evidence organisation, documentation preparation or advocacy support when navigating NDIS review processes.
Where a matter requires legal advice or legal representation, individuals will be referred to an appropriately qualified legal practitioner.