NDIS Marketing Rules: What You Can and Can't Say in Your Advertising

Marketing is a normal part of running an NDIS business. Participants have a right to choice and control, and they can only choose you if they know you exist. But because NDIS providers work with people who may be vulnerable, the standards for honest, respectful marketing are higher than in most industries.

This article is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure about a specific situation, speak with your compliance lead or a legal adviser.

The rules that shape NDIS marketing

The NDIS Code of Conduct

All NDIS providers and workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct. Its principles - acting with respect for individual rights, respecting privacy, acting with integrity, honesty and transparency - apply to how you market. Pressure tactics, exploiting someone's situation or misleading people about your services sit uncomfortably with these obligations.

Australian Consumer Law

Like every business, NDIS providers must not engage in misleading or deceptive conduct or make false claims. That covers websites, brochures, social media, ads and what staff say in person.

The Privacy Act and consent

Personal information - including photos, names and stories about participants - must be handled carefully, and only used with proper consent. See our guide to participant consent on social media.

Allied health providers: AHPRA advertising rules

If your NDIS business includes registered health practitioners, such as physiotherapists or psychologists, AHPRA's advertising guidelines also apply. For example, testimonials about clinical aspects of care are not allowed.

What you can say

• Describe your services clearly - what you offer, who it's for and where
• Share your values and approach - person-centred, culturally safe, flexible
• State facts you can back up - registration status, years operating, qualifications
• Share capacity - "We currently have availability for in-home support in Ipswich"
• Tell stories with consent - participant stories shared with informed, documented consent, in a respectful way

What to avoid

• Guarantees about outcomes - "We'll get you more funding" or "guaranteed independence"
• Unprovable superlatives - "the best NDIS provider in Brisbane" without evidence
• Pressure or urgency tactics - "Switch today before it's too late"
• Gifts or incentives to switch - offering rewards to change providers
• Implying NDIS endorsement - suggesting the NDIA or Commission recommends you
• Using photos or stories without consent - including in the background of event photos
• Fake or incentivised reviews - buying reviews or offering rewards for them

A quick compliance checklist for your marketing

Before anything goes live, ask:

1. Is every claim true and can we prove it?
2. Would a participant or family feel respected reading this?
3. Do we have documented consent for every person shown or named?
4. Are we giving people information to choose, not pressure to decide?
5. Would we be comfortable if the NDIS Commission read this?

If the answer to any of these is "not sure", change it or ask your compliance lead.

Getting reviews the right way

Genuine reviews help families choose. Ask participants and families for honest feedback, make it easy with a review link, and never offer anything in return. Reply respectfully to every review - including negative ones - without sharing personal details.

This article is general information only and isn't legal or compliance advice.