The NDIA has engaged KPMG Australia to review the Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard. Consultation and technical review are informing a future edition, but providers should not treat proposals as current requirements.
What has not changed
- The current SDA Design Standard continues to apply to relevant new and new-build refurbished dwellings.
- New builds require certification by an accredited, independent SDA assessor.
- Certification occurs at design and final-as-built stages.
- Final certification does not guarantee NDIA enrolment.
- The NDIA makes the enrolment decision after receiving a completed application for the finished dwelling.
What sector submissions are asking for
The Summer Foundation submission argues that the next standard should go beyond minimum compliance. Its priorities include adaptable homes, assistive technology, sustainability, stronger regulatory alignment and design informed by lived experience.
SDA Consulting has also highlighted the practical importance of final-as-built certification, building classification, fire detection, suppression and evacuation safety. These are reminders that a compliant drawing is not the same as a safely operating home.
What providers can prepare now
- Keep the design certificate, final certificate, assessment summary and enrolment decision as separate records.
- Record the enrolled building type, design category, resident capacity and OOA configuration exactly as approved.
- Maintain evidence of fire safety systems, emergency power, maintenance and later building changes.
- Do not advertise a dwelling as enrolled merely because it has achieved design certification.
- Watch the official NDIA page for the final standard and transition arrangements.
How MySDAmanager assists
MySDAmanager keeps dwelling enrolment details, design categories, certificates, inspections, maintenance and expiry evidence against the property record. Providers can see the difference between a document being present and the dwelling meeting its ongoing operational obligations.
Official source
Follow the NDIA SDA Design Standard page for confirmed changes.