KB Type: Research Theme
Domain Area: Practice
Confidence: Researched (Andrew via NbLM, RS-03)
Depth Hint: Standard
Version: 1.0 — 2026-04-23
Status: Active

The Master Participant Statement Template is a structured five-block document used primarily by Support Coordinators and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches to help participants articulate needs, compile evidence, and provide legislative justification for funding. It is designated a master because it serves as the heavily annotated source of truth from which simplified everyday working versions can be derived. Earlier template versions had gaps: the original 17-section model captured legislative nuances but lacked PACE system alignment, while the Version 7 HTML template integrated PACE architecture but omitted legacy disability fields and value for money prompts. The master template synthesises the strengths of both, integrating Section 33 and 34 legislative requirements, Progress Report data mapping, ICD code bridging, and full PACE Framework alignment into one airtight document.

The template is used primarily by:

These professionals use the template to help participants articulate their needs, compile evidence, and provide legislative justification for the funded supports requested from the NDIA delegate.

The template is designated as the master because it serves as the ultimate, heavily annotated source of truth from which simplified everyday working versions can be derived. Earlier iterations had distinct gaps:

The master template synthesises the strengths of both, resulting in an airtight document that simultaneously satisfies legacy CRM requirements and PACE framework alignment.

The template achieves seamless integration of four critical elements:

Legislative Requirements: Every field is mapped to specific clauses of the NDIS Act 2013 and the 2024 Amendments (Sections 33 and 34), ensuring requests for funding are explicitly backed by legal definitions of Reasonable and Necessary criteria, value for money, and evidence of good practice.

Progress Report Data Mapping: It establishes an efficient data flow where information gathered for mandatory, retrospective NDIA Progress Reports can directly auto-populate the forward-looking Participant Statement, reducing administrative duplication.

ICD Codes: It bridges legacy CRM systems with new frameworks by capturing both Primary and Secondary Disability diagnoses and directly mapping them to ICD-10 or ICD-11 codes, leaving no clinical ambiguity for the planner.

PACE Features: The template is fully aligned with the PACE framework by incorporating Impairment Types checkboxes, mapping participant goals to the 8 NDIS Outcome Domains, utilising five-position item codes, and recommending Digital Locks for ring-fencing funds.

Block 1 — Participant Identity and Clinical Context

Captures standard demographic data (Name, NDIS Number, Plan Dates) mapped directly from the Progress Report header. Crucially, it houses clinical diagnosis details — Primary and Secondary Disabilities listed alongside their ICD-10/11 codes, followed by the PACE-recognised impairment types (e.g., Cognitive, Psychosocial).

Block 2 — Environmental and Personal Context (The Baseline)

Establishes the boundaries between NDIS funding and external systems. Details the participant's current living arrangements and housing risks, sustainability of Informal and Mainstream Supports like family and carers, involvement with mainstream systems (health, justice, education), baseline social and economic participation, and a summary of progress and barriers from previous NDIS goals.

Block 3 — Goals, Objectives and Aspirations (The Accountability Chain)

Separates the participant's aspirations into specific Short-Term Goals (next 12 months) and broader Medium to Long-Term Goals (2–5 years). To satisfy the PACE framework, every short-term goal must be mapped directly to one of the 8 NDIS Outcome Domains, establishing a clear link between a participant's need and the resulting outcome.

Block 4 — Evidence, Value and Support Justification

Translates goals into proposed funding. Lists proposed reasonable and necessary supports mapped to five-position PACE item codes. Contains fields explicitly requiring: a rationale linking the support to Block 3 goals; a summary of allied health evidence proving the support is effective; and a strict justification of why the support represents the most cost-effective Value for Money option under Section 34(1)(c).

Block 5 — Budget Architecture, Risk Management and Plan Administration

Addresses the 2024 budget amendments. Recommends total plan duration and how Funding Periods should be released (standard 12-month blocks vs. monthly intervals for vulnerable participants). Includes a simplified Risk-Based Budget Controls section where coordinators can request high-risk item codes be made Stated or assigned a Digital Lock to a specific provider. Outlines Plan Management preferences (Self, Plan, or NDIA-managed) and identifies life events or psychosocial triggers that should force an early Plan Reassessment.