Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 11 March 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group met online on 11 March 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
what they have heard in their communities
an update on the Agency’s emergency response improvements
the IAC’s Home and Living advice.
Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Tricia Malowney led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members expressed community frustrations at what they see as inflexibility around participant plans. Participants are saying they are finding it difficult to access mainstream services. They are saying that plan managers are recommending more expensive, disability-segregated options to participants. Members feel this makes for a less inclusive community. The Agency acknowledged the community’s frustrations and noted Government is reviewing the NDIS support lists.
Members highlighted there is limited knowledge about the new support needs assessment process. While Members understand this will be a gradual roll-out, they asked for more outreach to regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to talk about the new approach to planning. Members also noted language barriers remain a challenge for CALD communities. While communities use some interpreter services, they don’t always have a strong knowledge of the Scheme and its systems.
Members asked the Agency to address why some access planners are making decisions about funded supports in NDIS plans without appearing to acknowledge or consider supplied evidence. The Agency shared that the new approach to planning, including the introduction of a standardised support needs assessment. This will reduce the need for participants to provide evidence, and ensure more consistent funding decisions.
Members shared concerns about global trends towards nations and states not providing care for disabled trans youth. The Agency reassured Members that there has been no shift in how it supports LGBTQIA+ communities.
Members reported some in the community who find it difficult to log onto the NDIS portal through MyGov because of its security layers. The Agency acknowledged the difficulties, and said that while security was vitally important, user ease and accessibility are as well.
Emergency response improvements
The Agency briefed Members about improvements it is making to its emergency response processes and procedures.
Update on IAC Advice
Members discussed current IAC advice including Home and Living and emergency supports.
More information on the Reference Group
The Equity and Inclusion Reference Group will next meet on 1 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.