IAC meeting bulletin, 27 March 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) met online on 27 March 2025. Members discussed:
advice to the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
2025-26 IAC workplan
issues NDIS participants have recently been facing.
Principal Member acknowledgments
Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member, welcomed members to the meeting, and welcomed the NDIA’s Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO Service Delivery and Improvement, as well as NDIA Board Member Dr Graeme Innes.
What members have heard in their community
Members shared participants’ concerns about receiving plans with funding for 1-on-1 support when 2-on-1 support is required. There are concerns that providers are still delivering these supports even though they are not funded in NDIS plans. This is likely to lead to a financial burden and a reduction in services for participants.
Members reported how some people are unable to access the NDIS, because assessments cost too much. Members suggested non-refundable assessments should be claimable under Medicare. The Agency noted how GPs conducting assessments can provide the evidence that supports NDIS participation, and that participants can claim many costs under Medicare. The Agency noted it could improve communications on this matter. The Agency said it wants to collaborate in the design of a smoother access process, but this will take time to get right.
Members noted the ongoing community confusion about NDIS support. The government’s introduction of changes to the ‘in and out lists’ continues to cause a lot of worry. The Agency noted that it was working to ensure participants understand the new rules. The Agency has held information sessions, sent emails and texts, and made website updates.
Members raised problems some participants have had in verifying their identification when accessing the NDIS portal. The Agency shared that there are manual workarounds on the NDIS website. The Agency will review this information.
Members shared community concerns about unregistered providers. The key concerns are about providers operating with little oversight or regulation, and a lack of quality control.
They also raised unexpected or unplanned check-in calls. The Agency said it is trying to get future check-ins and participant experience right. Work is ongoing to improve practice including consideration of contact with participants 2 months before their assessment.
Reform Advice Committee
Members were introduced to Ms El Gibbs and Mr Dougie Herd, the co-chairs of the newly formed NDIS Reform Advisory Committee. The Committee was recommended by the Independent Review into the NDIS to monitor and provide independent advice to the Minister for the NDIS and State and Territory Disability Ministers. It is made up of people with disability, who will advise on the implementation of NDIS reforms, including on policy, process, timing, and community views.
The IAC and Committee co-chairs discussed some ways they will be able to work together.
IAC advice
Members were updated on the Agency’s current direction for NDIS reform. The IAC’s advice continues to highlight the need for a human rights and strength-based approach to the NDIS. The IAC considered 3 current pieces of advice they have been working on related to guiding principles and measures of success, the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion and trauma informed practice.
Next meeting
The IAC will next meet on 20-21 May 2025. Find out more about IAC meetings and bulletins at the IAC website. The IAC publishes an Easy Read version of this bulletin, as part of its commitment to accessibility.