Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 28 August 2024
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group (Reference Group) met online on 28 August 2024. They discussed:
what they have heard in their communities about the NDIS
ways to embed intersectionality and trauma informed practices within the IAC
the NDIS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual Plus, Sistergirl, Brotherboy (LGBTIQASB+) Summit.
Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member and Reference Group Co-Chair, led the meeting.
What members have heard in their communities
Concerns were expressed about the current environment, particularly in relation to the Government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission, the NDIS Review, and legislative changes. Members shared that this has led to feelings of disempowerment among individuals with disabilities.
Members reported widespread uncertainty within the community regarding the broader program of reforms. They held concerns that the recent consultation process around legislative changes was not as accessible as it could have been. Members noted instances where communication around proposed changes has been misrepresented, causing confusion and anxiety about which supports will be included or excluded under the proposed changes to section 10 of the NDIS Act.
Media reports that the Australian Government will not include questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics in the 2026 census was met with disappointment by members. They noted, the absence of these questions undermines the visibility of the LGBTIQASB+ people within the census data, making it harder to advocate for their specific needs and services.
There continue to be significant challenges in finding qualified and appropriate support coordinators and workers. Concerns were raised about the checks and balances currently in place for ensuring quality service provision. Members also discussed reports of some organisations using incentives to attract vulnerable participants into signing service contracts. Variability in the quality of support coordinators may be contributing to negative planning outcomes for some participants.
There were examples of positive plan review experiences shared, where participants felt understood and supported. These experiences highlighted the value of having planners with lived experience, who can provide reassurance and create a sense of safety for participants.
While members acknowledged the importance of having processes in place to identify fraud, they cautioned against narratives that portray people with disabilities as exploiting the Scheme. It was suggested that communications regarding fraud prevention be carefully worded to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes.
LGBTIQASB+ Summit outcomes
An update was provided by the Agency on the LGBTIQASB+ Summit, held on 25 July 2024. Initial outcomes from the summit included considerations for the experiences of young people and the need for safe spaces. There was encouragement for the Agency to take a leadership role in supporting the LGBTIQASB+ community, recognising that diversity exists within communities themselves. The Agency committed to providing updates as work on the LGBTIQASB+ Strategy progresses.
Intersectionality and trauma-informed practice
Members discussed the importance of embedding intersectionality within the IAC and its operations. Key points included the need for cultural shifts, alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and universal design principles.
Members emphasised the importance of avoiding segregation and viewing individuals holistically. There was also discussion about providing training for members and agency staff on intersectionality and trauma-informed practices. Members advised that planning should assume that anyone might have experienced trauma. Members stressed the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
More information on the Reference Group
The Equity and Inclusion Reference Group will next meet on 14 October 2024. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
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