NEWS

Above: Image of a IAC meeting.

Latest IAC News

NEWS - 19 DECEMber 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 7 November 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

News - 16 December 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 30 October 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

News - 10 December 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 27 November 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting bulletin, 27 November 2024.

News - 10 december 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 13-14 November 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting bulletin, 13-14 November 2024.

News - 9 December 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 14 October 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 22 november 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 7 November 2024, is now available.

For more information read the IAC meeting bulletin, 7 November 2024.

News - 18 november 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 14 October 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 14 October 2024.

News - 18 november 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 30 October 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Home and Living Reference Group meeting bulletin, 30 October 2024.

News - 2 October 2024

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from First Nations people with disability to join the IAC First Nations Reference Group (IAC FNRG).

Ideal candidates are First Nations people with disability who are motivated and connected to community. 

As part of the First Nations Reference Group, you will provide advice to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), helping to influence decisions that directly impact First Nations people with disability.

As a member of the IAC FNRG, you will:

  • Meet at least 4 times a year (including online and face-to-face) to advise on First Nations disability business

  • Provide advice about issues facing First Nations people in your community

  • Listen to others and discuss sensitive matters

  • Be paid for your time.

More information about the IAC FNRG, please read the expression of interest information booklet in Easy Read (PDF 2MB).

Email IAC with your completed EOI form (PDF 2MB) at advisorycouncil@ndis.gov.au before 5pm AEST Tuesday 29 October 2024.

Once your EOI has been reviewed, we will inform you by the end of November 2024 about the outcome of your submission.

If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Berne, First Nations Governance Branch, NDIA, on 0456 692 698 or matthew.berne@ndis.gov.au.

NEWS - 8 october 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 12-13 September 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 24 september 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 12-13 September 2024, is now available.

For more information read the IAC meeting bulletin, 12-13 September 2024.

NEWS - 20 september 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 28 August 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 9 september 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 15 August 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 6 september 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 28 August 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 28 August 2024.

NEWS - 30 august 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 7 August 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 26 august 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 15 August 2024, is now available.

For more information read the IAC meeting bulletin, 15 August 2024.

NEWS - 21 august 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 7 August 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Home and Living Reference Group meeting bulletin, 7 August 2024.

NEWS - 29 July 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 3-4 July 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 12 July 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 3-4 July 2024, is now available.

For more information read the IAC meeting bulletin, 3-4 July 2024.

News - 21 June 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 21-22 May 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 31 May 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 21-22 May 2024, is now available.

For more information read the IAC meeting bulletin, 21-22 May 2024.

NEWS - 28 May 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 15 April 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 27 May 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 16 April 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 10 May 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 16 April 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Home and Living Reference Group meeting bulletin, 16 April 2024.

NEWS - 10 May 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 15 April 2024, is now available.

For more information read the IAC meeting bulletin, 15 April 2024.

NEWS - 10 May 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 10-11 April 2024, is now available.

For more information read the Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting bulletin, 10-11 April 2024.

NEWS - 18 April 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 25 March 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 2 April 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 25 March 2024, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 2 April 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 20 March 2024, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 28 march 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 29 February 2024, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 8 March 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 29 February 2024, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 13 February 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 2 November 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 19 January 2024

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 7 December 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS – 18 January 2024

Independent Advisory Council releases 2022-23 Annual Report  

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) 2022-23 Annual Report is now available.

It is also available in Easy Read and as an Auslan video translation.

About the Annual Report 2022-23

The Annual Report tells you about the advice and work the IAC did during 2022-2023.

It highlights the IAC’s achievements for the year, and its work to bring the views of people with disability, their families, carers and sector experts to the heart of the NDIS.

It gives you information about the:

  • IAC’s advice to the NDIA Board

  • IAC’s input and expertise on the NDIA’s co-design work  

  • Principal Member and Members’ views about the IAC’s work

  • Milestones and achievements for the year

  • Current IAC members and their experience. These are the members who helped develop IAC’s advice and are the voice of participants at the highest level

  • Ways the IAC has worked according to its Operating Model and Work Plan

  • Ways the IAC has worked to provide transparent and accessible communications.

The IAC’s Annual Report helps to maintain the accountability and performance of the IAC’s work.

Learn more about the Annual Report 

For more information download:

For information in Easy Read:

For information in Auslan:

NEWS - 21 December 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 22-23 November 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 21 December 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 9 November 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 20 December 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 8 November 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 18 December 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 7 December 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 5 December 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 22-23 November 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 1 December 2023

The Government has today announced the appointment and reappointment of members of the NDIS Independent Advisory Council (IAC).

Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten said he was pleased to welcome disability advocate Mr Gavin Burner to the IAC. Mr Burner’s appointment is significant as it strengthens the IAC's representation of people with intellectual disability. 

“Mr Burner is a passionate advocate and inclusion adviser from South Australia, who previously served as a member of the IAC’s Intellectual Disability Reference Group,” Minister Shorten said. 

“I would also like to congratulate current IAC members, Dr Leighton Jay, Dr Sharon Boyce, Mr Mark Tonga, Ms Patricia Malowney OAM and Ms Samantha Paior on their successful reappointments.” 

The IAC represents the interest of participants on the scheme and advises the NDIA Board on issues impacting participants and their families and carers. 

Led by a Principal Member, Ms Leah van Poppel, and up to 12 other members, the IAC brings together highly skilled and dedicated individuals from across the range of disability and advocacy sectors. 

This includes members with lived experience of disability, carers of people with disability, and those with expertise in delivering disability services. 

Ms van Poppel said she welcomed the new and reappointed members to the IAC. 

“These appointments complement an already strong and wise group of IAC members, who are knowledgeable in disability issues across Australia,” Ms van Poppel said.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with our members, the NDIA Board and NDIA more broadly to deliver on the IAC’s important statutory role.”

IAC members serve a term of three years.

More information on the IAC is available here. 

NEWS - 20 November 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 9 November 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 17 November 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 8 November 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 13 October 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 21 September 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 13 November 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 2 November 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 25 October 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 18 September 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 24 OCTOBER 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 12 October 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 5 OCTOBER 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 21 September 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 2 October 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 18 September 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 28 SEPTEMBER 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 24 August 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

news - 15 September 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 10 August 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

News - 8 september 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 24 August 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

news - 29 august 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 22 June 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 23 August 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 16-17 August 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 21 August 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 10 August 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 11 AUGUST 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 2 August 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

News - 11 July 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 26 June 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

News - 11 July 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 22 June 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 18 JUNE 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 18 May 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEws - 13 JUne 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 1 June 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

1 June 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 3 May 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWs - 29 May 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, held 18 May 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

news - 24 MAY 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 11 May 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 20 MAY 2023

The Easy Read bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 13 April 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

news - 12 MAY 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 3 May 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 10 MAy 2023

The Easy Read bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 23 March 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 20 April 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 13 April 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEWS - 5 APRIl 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 23 March 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

NEws - 20 mARch 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 22 February 2023, is now available in Easy Read.

For more information read:

NEWS - 8 MARCH 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 27 February 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of the bulletin will be available soon.

NEws - 3 March 2023

The bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 22 February 2023, is now available.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of the bulletin will be available soon.

News - 17 January 2023

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) Annual Report 2021-2022 is now available online.

The Annual Report is available in Easy Read format.

The Annual Report highlights:

  • Council’s milestones and achievements for the year, 2021 to 2022

  • Its work to bring the views of people with disability, their families, carers, and sector experts to the heart of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Council’s Annual Report helps to maintain the accountability and performance of its work.

For more information read:

For information in Easy Read:

News - 17 January 2023

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 15 December 2022.

For more information read:

News - 17 January 2023

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 10 November.

For more information read:

News - 17 January 2023

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 9 November.

For more information read:

News - 23 December 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 21 November.

For more information read:

news - 22 december 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 9 November 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 22 December 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 10 November 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 22 DECEMBER 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 15 December 2022.

For more information read:

NEW - 6 December 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 21 November 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 29 November 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 12 October 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 29 November 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) meeting, held 17 October 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 15 NOVEMBER 2022

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) is pleased to release its Work Plan for 2022-23.

The Work Plan is available as an information sheet and in Easy Read:

This Work Plan is guiding us on the work we are doing during 2022-2023. It focuses on six priorities:

  1. Putting participants back at the centre of the NDIS.

  2. Supporting effective NDIS plans and quality participant outcomes.

  3. Connect and collaborate with other government agencies, outside the NDIA.

  4. Provide transparent and accessible communications.

  5. Track and oversee the implementation of our advice.

  6. Ongoing collaboration with NDIA projects and processes.

As part of this plan, Council aims to deliver advice to the NDIA Board that improves the NDIS for the best participant outcomes.

We also aim to strengthen community ties and trust through our Work Plan. We will also work together as part of the NDIA’s co-design work.

Council’s Work Plan is our guide. It maintains the accountability and performance of Council’s work. Council’s Work Plans are flexible. They may change throughout the year based on both Council and NDIA priorities.

NEWS - 9 NOVEMber 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 12 October 2022.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of this bulletin will be released soon.

NEWS - 2 November 2022

We have released an Easy Read bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 21 September 2022.

For more information read:

NEWs - 26 october 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 17 October 2022.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of this bulletin will be released soon.

NEWS - 11 OCTOBER 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 21 September 2022.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of the bulletin will be released soon.

NEWS - 4 October 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 13 September 2022.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of the bulletin will be released soon.

NEWS - 26 September 2022

We have released an Easy Read bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 29 August 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 16 September 2022

We have released an Easy Read bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 24 August 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 6 September 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council’s (Council) Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 29 August 2022.

For more information read:

We will release a version of the bulletin in Easy Read soon.

NEWS - 6 September 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 24 August 2022.

For more information read:

We will release a version of the bulletin in Easy Read soon.

news - 22 august 2022

We have released an Easy Read bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 27 July 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 19 August 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 22 June 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 19 AUgust 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 15 June 2022.

NEWS - 9 August 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 27 July 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 9 August 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 15 June 2022.

For more information read:

News - 6 JULy 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 22 June 2022.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of this bulletin will be available soon.

News - 24 June 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 26 May 2022.

For more information read:

News - 24 June 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 18 May 2022.

For more information read:

News - 24 June 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read from the Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 17 May 2022.

For more information read:

News - 9 June 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 26 May 2022.

For more information read:

Council will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

NEWS - 1 JUNE 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting, held 18 May 2022.

For more information read:

Council will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

NEws - 1 June 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Home and Living Reference Group meeting, held 17 May 2022.

For more information read:

Council will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

NEWS - 25 May 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read version about the Children, Young People and Families meeting, held 9 May 2022.

For more information read:

News - 16 May 2022

We have released a bulletin from the Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting, held 9 May 2022.

For more information read:

An Easy Read version of the bulletin will be released soon.

News - 12 May 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read version about the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 26 April 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 3 May 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 26 April 2022.

For more information read:

We will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

news - 21 April 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read version about the Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 5 April 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 12 APRIL 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read version about the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 28 March 2022.

For more information read:

NEWS - 12 APRIL 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting, held 5 April 2022.

For more information read:

We will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

NEWS - 4 APRIL 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 28 March 2022.

For more information read:

We will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

NEWS - 17 March 2022

We have released a bulletin in Easy Read version about the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 25 February 2022.

For more information read:

NEWs - 4 MARCH 2022

We have released the bulletin from the Independent Advisory Council (Council) meeting, held 25 February 2022.

For more information read:

We will release an Easy Read version of this bulletin soon.

NEWS - 4 JANUARY 2022

Effective 1 January 2022, there will be a number of changes to the Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Ms Leah Van Poppel will replace Ms Robyn Kruk AO as Principal Member. Leah was recently appointed National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board member and has served as Council’s Deputy Chair.

Ms Kruk was initially appointed as Principal Member of Council on 1 July 2020 and her term expired on 31 December 2021.

Dr George Taleporos has been newly appointed to Council for three years.

Ms Sylvana Mahmic, Ms Jennifer Cullen, Mr James Manders, Ms Liz Reid AM and Ms Kerry Allan-Zinner have been reappointed for further three-year terms. Also, Dr Sharon Boyce, Dr Leighton Jay, Ms Tricia Malowney OAM, Ms Sam Paior and Mr Mark Tonga will continue their terms as Council members.

After four years as a Council member, Mrs Judy Huett has stepped down from her role. She will continue as member of the Intellectual Disability Reference Group.

Council was formed in 2013 to represent the participants’ voice in the NDIS. Its membership advises the NDIA Board on the most important issues affecting participants, carers and families.

NEWS - 15 OCTOBER 2021

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the NDIS is pleased to release its submission in response to the proposed legislative improvements to the NDIS Act, and the Participant Service Guarantee. You can read Council’s submission to the Department of Social Service (DSS) here, or head to the the Council’s advice page.

News - 20 September 2021

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the NDIS is pleased to publicly release its 2020-21 Annual Report.

The Annual Report highlights Council’s achievements from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, including the important advisory work completed by Council over the year.

The Annual Report gives you information about the:

  • Council Principal Member’s and Deputy Chair’s ‘year in review’.

  • formal advice Council gave the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board during 2020-21.

  • informal advice and submissions Council gave the NDIA and other government agencies during 2020-21.

  • progress Council and its Reference Groups have made to guide the NDIA on the most important issues affecting participants and their families.

  • Council members who develop Council’s advice, including case studies about their work.

Read and download Council’s Annual Report by using the following resources:

News - 10 September 2021

Council is pleased to publicly release its 2021-22 Work Plan. The Work Plan guides you through the work Council will do over the year, from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

The Work Plan includes:

  • themes for advice, which aim to give solutions to the important issues affecting the NDIS and disability communities across Australia

  • important work projects, which aim to promote the work of Council and make sure its advice is implemented.

You can learn more about Council’s Work Plan at the About page, or by using the following resources:

COUNCIL NEWS BULLETIN – 27 JULY 2021

A special news Bulletin about Council’s development of a partnership agreement is now available. For more information read:

COUNCIL News BULLETIN – 7 July 2021

A special news Bulletin about the second Scheme Reform Forum and Council’s advice on Scheme reforms, is now available. For more information read:

COUNCIL News BULLETIN - 16 June 2021

A special news Bulletin on the Scheme Reform Forum is now available. The Bulletin outlines what was discussed at last week’s Scheme Reform Forum and the next steps for upcoming consultations on Scheme reforms.

For more information read Council News Bulletin - 16 June 2021 (PDF 402 KB).

COUNCIL News BULLETIN - 8 JUNE 2021

A special news Bulletin on the Scheme Reform Forum is now available. The Bulletin also outlines other upcoming consultations the Independent Advisory Council (Council) will be leading with the National Disability Insurance Agency.

NEWS - MAY 2021

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) is pleased to share two new videos it has created to help:

  • explain its important role in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

  • people understand the importance of Council’s advice to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Watch the Our Role video and read the transcript here.

Watch the Our Advice video and read the transcript here.

The videos have been created to help you understand the value Council adds to the NDIA, its important statutory role and how it develops its independent advice.

We will also use the videos for an educational Roadshow to NDIA staff.

The videos include messages from:

  • Robyn Kruk AO, Council Principal Member

  • Dr Helen Nugent AO, NDIA Board Chair

  • Leah van Poppel, Council Member & Deputy Chair

  • Judy Huett, Council Member & Reference Group Member

  • Belinda Epstein-Frisch AM, Independent Council Consultant

  • Sumone Chakravarti, previous NDIA Branch Manager Strategy.

NEWS - APRIL 2021

Independent Advisory Council (Council) formal advice on Local Area Coordination out now

Council has published its formal advice on Local Area Coordination.

This advice aims to improve the Local Area Coordination function in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It says that Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are important to help people with disability build community involvement in work, play and citizenship. All of this improves connections to community and Scheme sustainability.

This advice was sent to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board in February 2021. The NDIA response has been approved by the NDIA Board. Both the advice and NDIA response have been sent to the Minister for the NDIS.

At Council’s March 2021 meeting, then Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert supported Council’s advice. He said that he wants LACs to prioritise informal community supports for people with disability.

Both the formal advice and a one page summary document titled “Supporting LACs to be LACs” are now available to read and download here.

The Council gives formal advice under Section 144 of the NDIS Act 2013. This says that the purpose of the Council is to provide independent advice to the Board about the way in which the Agency performs its functions. It can do this on its own initiative or at the request of the NDIA Board.

News - March 2021

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) has partnered with the Building Better Homes campaign (external), which aims to introduce mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code (NCC).

The campaign is consistent with the Council’s December 2020 submission to the National Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework (external), which suggests increasing the supply of accessible housing.

You can learn more about the Council’s recommendations in the publicly available submission which includes:

  • increasing the supply of accessible housing

  • mandatory minimum standards for accessible housing 

  • mandatory minimum standards for accessible housing in the NCC

  • complying to gold standard Liveable Housing Design Guidelines when building social housing.

Council’s Principal Member also noted the important work of the campaign at the February 2021 Council meeting.

Please go to Building Better Homes website (external) to learn more or join the campaign.

NEWS – February 2021

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) is pleased to announce its refreshed Reference Group membership, after an extensive expression of interest process.

The new membership boasts participants, family members, experts, advocates, and researchers with broad-ranging lived experience, skills, and knowledge.

Reference Group members are from across all Australian States and Territories, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and diverse cultural communities.

The four Reference Groups will help inform the development of Council’s fiercely independent formal and informal advice, drawing attention to the most important issues affecting the delivery of the NDIS for participants, families, and carers.

See the Reference Group page for the list of members.

NEWS - NOVEMBER 2020

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Hon Stuart Robert MP, has approved the appointment of Dr Leighton Jay as Member of the Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the NDIS.

Dr Jay has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Council through his Reference Group membership, and is well known and regarded within the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for his contributions and advice.

Council’s Principal Member, Robyn Kruk AO, has officially welcomed Dr Jay to the Council on behalf of current Members, and is looking forward to Dr Jay attending Council’s November 2020 meeting.

“The Council will benefit greatly from Dr Jay’s sector leadership, advocacy and expertise as well as his invaluable experience and insight as the parent of an NDIS participant”, Ms Robyn Kruk AO said.

Dr Jay is a Perth-based Principal at Sotica, working mostly to assist human and community service organisations with strategic projects, and will serve as Council Member for a three year term, until 30 June 2023.

Read more about Dr Jay’s professional experience at the membership page.

News - october 2020

Independent Advisory Council to the NDIS releases its 2020-2021 Work Plan

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the NDIS is pleased to publicly release its 2020-2021 Work Plan.
The Work Plan outlines the advisory work that Council will undertake in 2020-21 to provide advice on the important issues affecting the delivery of the NDIS. 
You can learn more details about the Council’s Work Plan at the About page, or by by referring to the following informational resources:

NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the NDIS is pleased to release its 2019-2020 Annual Report. Council’s Annual Report, available in tagged and Easy Read version for enhanced accessibility, outlines the important role that Council plays for the NDIS, and highlights the advice and progress Council has made throughout 2019-2020.

The Annual Report includes a Principal Member’s review from Mr John Walsh AM, as well as biographies of Council Members and Expert Advisors. Importantly, it details the formal and informal advice submitted for 2019-2020, and reviews significant Council milestones for the year.

The Annual Report also touches on the Council’s Operating Model and Communications Strategy, launched in 2019-20. These important pieces of work aim to enhance the way Council works, and its ability to engage more fully and directly with people with disability and their families and communities.

Council’s Annual Report will form a part of the work Council releases to the public annually, with the aim to raise the profile and awareness of the Council’s important function to the NDIS.

Independent Advisory Council - Annual Report 2019-20
Independent Advisory Council - Annual Report 2019-20 - Tagged
Independent Advisory Council - Annual Report 2019-20 - Easy Read
Independent Advisory Council - Annual Report 2019-20 - Easy Read - Text Only

news - july 2020

The Independent Advisory Council (Council) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is deeply saddened by the passing of previous Council member and disability advocate, Sue Salthouse. Sue was a highly-respected advocate for people with disability, and was committed to educating the community about the impact disability has on people’s lives. She contributed to the design, delivery and improvement of the NDIS in so many ways, and brought important understanding and insight into her role as a member of Council over a number of years. Sue was a friend of the Agency who will be missed by those who had the privilege to work with her. For more information please click here.

News - July 2020

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Stuart Robert, announced the new and returning members of the Independent Advisory Council from 1 July 2020. New and returning Council members include: Robyn Kruk AO (Principal Member), Tricia Malowney OAM, Sam Paior, Mark Tonga, Sharon Boyce, Sylvana Mahmic, Liz Reid AM, Kerry Allan-Zinner, Judy Huett, Jennifer Cullen, Leah van Poppel and James Manders. Council is supported by Dr Ben Gauntlett, Disability Discrimination Commissioner, in the role of Expert Adviser. For more information read Changes to the NDIS Advisory Council media release.

 

Get the latest news

Subscribe to the latest Independent Advisory Council (Council) news and news bulletins here. Simply sign up with your email address to receive news and updates from Council direct to your inbox.