IAC meeting bulletin, 7 November 2024

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) met online on 7 November 2024. Members discussed work on their advice to the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

The meeting also included discussions on:

IAC advice and its guiding principles
what members have heard in their communities
the IAC’s First Nations Reference Group
the NDIA’s Supported Decision Making Policy
the NDIA’s work on navigators.

Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member, led the meeting. She welcomed members of the Board including Mr Kurt Fearnley AO, Mr Graeme Innes and Ms Maryanne Diamond. A representative from the NDIA’s Strategic Leadership Team also came to the meeting to hear members’ reports from the community and respond to member queries.

IAC advice and guiding principles

The IAC endorsed its advice about participants who are ageing, titled ‘Age is not a number’. The NDIA will now start developing an Agency response to the advice.

The IAC noted strength-based support models and effectively communicating NDIS core values to the Board should be a part of the IAC’s guiding principles framework. They said they’ll further refine this framework before it is sent to the Board.

What members have heard in their communities

IAC members reported key concerns raised by NDIS participants, families, carers, and providers. Issues raised included:

The need for improved flexibility, clearer guidance, and enhanced communication across the NDIS. Members noted participants continue to experience inflexible plans, which contribute to administrative burdens and create anxiety. There is a call for the NDIA to enhance its communication efforts and respond more effectively to community needs.
Confusion around NDIS legislation changes. This has led to uncertainty about what can be funded under NDIS plans. Members requested clarity on the classification of certain services, such as conferences versus training, and reported that some participants are not clear about essential personal care services, such as hair washing.
Inconsistent advice from the NDIS call centre has increased participant and provider frustrations. General dissatisfaction with NDIS implementation remains high because of this.
Participants described the fraud reporting form as inaccessible, hindering effective reporting. Members sought clarity on fraud and overspending statistics related to self-managers.
Circles of support and microboard facilitators reported challenges in securing consistent funding.
Challenges in accessing essential health services, particularly in hospitals, where participants with high-level needs are often inadequately supported.

IAC First Nations Reference Group update

Recruitment for the IAC’s First Nations Reference Group attracted over 20 applications through an expression of interest process. The IAC will announce successful applicants soon. The group’s first meeting will take place in early 2025.

Members noted the NDIA’s First Nations Strategy is due for completion in early 2025. The NDIA has established a working group to support the development of the Strategy. The IAC is represented on the working group.

Update on NDIA’s Supported Decision Making Policy

Representatives from the NDIA provided an update on the supported decision-making policy. They emphasised the need for ongoing evaluation and policy improvements. They also discussed the benefits and risks associated with circles of support and microboards.

Member discussion underscored the importance of participant involvement in this work. It was highlighted that there is a need for clear guidance and support structures in promoting effective decision-making for people with disabilities. The NDIA committed to continued dialogue on these issues.

Discussion on navigators

The IAC discussed updates on work to develop and design new navigation services, recommended by the NDIS Review. Members noted the ongoing co-design process and feedback from stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a seamless, person-centered navigation experience. While the introduction of pilot programs reflects a commitment to improving service delivery, they cautioned that the funding for grassroots organisations may not be enough.

More information on the IAC

The IAC will next meet on 10-11 December 2024. Find out more about IAC meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.