Jacob Medel

Not-for-profit disability and aged-care providers are facing a critical financial juncture, with new NDIS pricing arrangements and the Support at Home framework reshaping funding models and increasing pressure on sustainability, says Jacob Medel, partner, Audit & Assurance, HLB Mann Judd.

From 1 July 2025, updated NDIS pricing arrangements introduced a 3.95 per cent increase for support worker services, revised therapy rates and tighter limits on travel charges. Further, the Support at Home framework, effective 1 November 2025, brings greater transparency to how aged-care services are funded, delivered and monitored.

These changes are placing increased scrutiny on how businesses manage costs, allocate resources and maintain service quality.

“We are now seeing the impacts of these changes flow through the sector, including reduced margins, increased regulatory enforcement activity, and a rise in merger and consolidation discussions,” said Medel.

“At the same time, many not-for-profit organisations are focused on implementing system updates to support the Support at Home reforms and ensuring compliance with evolving standards, which is adding further cost pressures. In response, businesses are placing a much greater focus on understanding and managing their operational cost structures to support long-term sustainability.”

Medel warns that without robust costing frameworks and accurate financial data, businesses risk gradual erosion of reserves and long-term sustainability challenges. He encourages boards to adopt clearer performance dashboards, link operational and financial data, and ensure management can map both direct and indirect costs to services.

“Boards must sharpen their financial oversight and cost-management practices to navigate this changing landscape.

“While pricing adjustments provide some relief, they also reinforce the need for providers to understand the true cost of service delivery and ensure pricing models reflect all cost drivers, from compliance and supervision, to travel and administration,” he added.

Financial capability across boards and leadership teams will also be critical as reforms continue to evolve. Strengthening financial literacy and confidence will help organisations interpret results, manage risk and make evidence-based decisions.

Aligning mission with financial performance will be key to ensuring services can continue to support communities into the future.

“When boards understand the story behind the numbers, they are better positioned to make strategic decisions that safeguard both impact and longevity,” added Medel.

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Alex Roberts has been appointed partner in audit and assurance, HLB Mann Judd Melbourne. Joining HLB in 2013 as a graduate auditor, Alex has worked across the private and public sectors with experience that includes external audit, financial reporting compliance, and specialist assurance engagements. Alex is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Alyce Stones has been appointed partner in audit and assurance, HLB Mann Judd Newcastle. A registered company auditor with 17 years of experience in audit and assurance services across mining, manufacturing, communications, construction, and the not-for-profit sector, Alyce delivers insights that improve financial performance and strengthen internal systems.

Jacob Medel has been appointed partner in audit and assurance, HLB Mann Judd Newcastle. With more than 12 years of experience in audit and assurance, he specialises in the not-for-profit, health, disability, and education sectors, and has led the development of audit methodology around the NDIS, Primary Health Networks, Government funded programs and schools.

Nilan Gandhi has been promoted to director of HLB Mann Judd Brisbane, in the business advisory and taxation team. Nilan has over 12 years’ experience providing accounting, tax, and business advisory services to corporates, SMEs, high-net wealth individuals, and private family groups. More recently, he has been reviewing taxation implications of large commercial property transactions, reviewing organisational tax efficiencies within established structures, and assisting multinational clients to establish a presence nationally and abroad. Nilan is a Member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Steve Windsor has recently joined HLB Mann Judd’s Perth business advisory services division as a director in August 2025. His career spans 25 years of taxation, international corporate services, and business advisory. He spent eight years at the UK’s Inland Revenue before moving to International Corporate Services on the Isle of Man for 12 years, advising international clients. He is a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).

Anna Janssen has been promoted to director of advisory services, HLB Mann Judd Newcastle. An audit and compliance professional with more than 20 years of experience, she provides strong technical expertise in accounting standards, financial reporting, corporate compliance and payroll.

Natalie Dobinson has been promoted to director of audit and assurance, HLB Mann Judd Newcastle. Natalie has 25 years of experience in audit and assurance, with specialist expertise in the not-for-profit sector. She has managed the provision of services to a wide range of NFP clients, with a particular focus on health care, membership-based organisations, and charities.

Trent Boncompagni has been promoted to associate at HLB Mann Judd Wollongong, in the business advisory and taxation team. Trent joined HLB in 2012 and focuses primarily on SME businesses, working with clients across a wide range of industries including building and property development, and the hospitality and fitness industries. He advises on issues including structuring, GST and income tax, and capital gains tax. Trent is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

These appointments follow the recent acquisition by HLB Mann Judd Perth of local business advisory firm, A Plus Business Advisors, growing its current business advisory division in Western Australia to more than 30 members, putting it squarely amongst the top 10 accounting firms.

The acquisition will see two director appointments by HLB Mann Judd Perth.

Garry Anderson has been promoted to director of HLB Mann Judd Perth in the business advisory division. He was previously director and owner of A Plus Business Advisors.

Maka Sikazwe has also been promoted to director of HLB Mann Judd Perth, also in the business advisory division. He was previously associate director at A Plus Business Advisors.

Rowan Tracey, Head of Business Advisory, HLB Mann Judd Perth, said the acquisition builds on firm’s current growth and brings a highly experienced team with shared common values and client service philosophy.

“This growth gives us additional depth across several key areas and ensures we continue to offer tailored, practical advice to help our clients navigate the road ahead,” Mr Tracey said.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, said the latest moves reflect the strength of the HLB Mann Judd network.

“These new appointments and the Perth acquisition reflect the depth of talent within our network, and our ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and providing meaningful career opportunities for our people.”

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