Home and Living Reference Group meeting bulletin, 5-6 March 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group (Reference Group) met online on 5-6 March 2025. They discussed:
what they have heard in their communities
an update on the NDIA Home and Living Framework refresh
Intellectual Disability Reference Group (IDRG) feedback on group homes.
Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member led the meeting. Dr Leighton Jay was Co-chair.
What members have heard in their communities
Members shared concerns about long wait times for short-term accommodation approvals and confusion about the new NDIS Support lists. Members reported participants are worried about losing support they have relied on for years. It is understood that certain moving costs are no longer covered. The Agency said the legislative changes are being evaluated and it is keeping Disability Reform Ministers fully updated.
Members shared ongoing concerns about housing affordability. It was reported that participants who need accessible housing are feeling financial stress. They are reports that people feel there is limited choice and control over where and who they live with. This feels like it has become much harder.
Members shared the importance of individualised living supports and the need for the Agency to demonstrate its commitment to these. They called for the Agency to focus on what matters to each participant, including their cultural and community-specific needs.
Members recommended specialist navigators be brought in to assist participants with psychosocial disabilities, and their families. This will aid accessing the NDIS and the supports they need. Members expressed additional concerns about the high cost of Allied Health providers.
Members noted concerns about the justice system. These concerns related to a lack of understanding of disability, and people with acquired brain injuries or Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Members suggested establishing justice system access clinics. The Agency noted that NDIS Justice Liaison Officers are in place across the country and can support people with disability leaving justice settings to access the Scheme and get the support they need. The Agency did note that there are many challenges associated with developing solutions in justice settings.
Members praised some recent positive media coverage on disability housing. They noted the importance of the mainstream media paying attention to these issues.
NDIA Home and Living Framework refresh
The Agency shared an update on the Home and Living Framework refresh. They noted that the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, the NDIS review, and the government’s legislative reform agenda items are all informing the refresh. The Agency added it is ensuring a range of people and committees are involved in sharing their knowledge. Members shared some concerns that the framework appears watered down from its original intent. The Agency stated it is committed to the framework.
Intellectual Disability Reference Group (IDRG) feedback on group homes
The group heard feedback from the IDRG on concerns and potential solutions for group homes. The information highlighted the importance of choice and control. Some reported that there are some providers who continue old practices taking choice and control from participants. Waiting times of more than 10 years are common. People living in group homes are not always aware of alternatives to group homes.
The age difference between residents, their individual needs, and the difficulties experienced in getting into these homes are among the issues participants are facing. The IDRG requested that the Agency improve the available information on group homes, make access to information about the homes easier, and build a system that intellectually disabled people can trust. They want better information about options for participants living in group homes, and support and funding to help them explore other options.
More information on the Reference Group
The Home and Living Reference Group will next meet on Wednesday 18 June 2025. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
The IAC publishes an Easy Read version of this bulletin. This is part of its commitment to accessibility.