Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 1 May 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group met online on 1 May 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
What they have heard in their communities
An update on the Agency’s draft Equity and Inclusion Principles
An update on the IAC’s latest advice
Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Tricia Malowney led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members raised community concerns about the Government’s recent NDIS reforms announcement. The community want to understand more about the proposed changes. They are concerned about possible cuts to plan funding and services. The community is worried that the proposed changes might cause harm when the Agency implements them.
Many in the community feel the Agency is not engaging with them in an accessible or safe way. They also feel the information is sometimes contradictory.
Members shared community concerns about cuts to social and community participation funding. Members emphasised that this funding goes towards supporting essential medical appointments and daily living. They are concerned about the potential safety impacts for more vulnerable participants left with reduced services or more time home alone.
The Agency acknowledged the fear and anxiety in the community. The Agency told Members that changes will not take start until after new legislation is passed by Parliament. The Agency will work with participants, co-designing and collaborating on how they implement any changes. The Agency noted that there are no current changes to eligibility or planning. Participants should continue to use the disability related supports in their plan.
The Agency said that it will provide updates via the NDIS website, as well as in the newsletter participants get every two weeks.
Members shared how some service providers are taking on longer shifts, less often. These providers have introduced fees to cover support staff costs. Participants have reported they would be better off staying at home, rather than spend funds going to regular activities.
Members reported that participants in remote regions are paying a one-to-one rate for transport, while being in groups of 3 or more. Members are worried this is because participants do not understand what the NDIS rules are. There seems to be a lack of oversight on providers.
Members shared how there are providers who are cancelling supports because of fuel availability. Participants in regional and remote communities say services are not available because support workers or providers are not willing to travel.
The Agency confirmed it is part of a whole of government response to the fuel crisis. The government has appointed a new national fuel coordinator to make sure it protects fuel supplies. The Agency said it is important and values hearing about the on the ground impacts through forums such as this Reference Group.
Agency update on Inclusion Principles
The Agency discussed and received feedback from the Reference Group on the Agency’s draft inclusion principles.
IAC Advice update
The Reference Group discussed and provided input into the IAC’s Justice and Home & Living Advice.
More information on the Reference Group
The Equity and Inclusion Reference Group will next meet on 27 May 2026 online. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
Information in Easy Read
The IAC publishes an Easy Read version of this bulletin. This is part of its commitment to accessibility.