Reference Group meeting bulletin – 18 June 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Home and Living Reference Group (Reference Group) met online on 18 June 2025. They discussed:
what they have heard in their communities
an update on the IAC Work Plan
an update on the NDIS Home and Living Framework.
Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member led the meeting.
What members have heard in their communities
Members shared that community members continue to be concerned about the NDIS support lists.
Members discussed how the quality of group homes has declined and needs improvement, and that there isn’t enough information about what alternatives are available.
Members reported community concerns about planners placing what is seen as unreasonable and unworkable restrictions in new plans.
Members feel the Reference Group was not properly consulted on the new three-month funding blocks. They worry established supports participants have in place will be removed because of funding periods, and that participants might have to move to a care facility or hospital as a result. Members asked that the NDIA only applies shorter funding periods if there's evidence that a participant is struggling to manage their plan, and only then after discussing the proposed funding period with the participant.
The NDIA clarified that new plans, not existing plans, may have shorter funding periods applied to them, and that a discussion about funding periods should occur as part of the planning process. Funding periods were established when the new NDIS Act was passed in 2024. Individual conversations are linked to plan approvals and should only occur for new or reassessed plans. The NDIA noted its official guidance is detailed and was designed to ensure impacted participants, their families and carers are fully informed.
Members shared their concerns about some of the NDIA’s recent communications. The community has shared that the general tone has caused some distress. Members encouraged the NDIA to rethink its approach. The NDIA noted it will look at how its communications are worded.
Members reported how there are accessibility ‘add-ons’ included in recently opened Specialist Disability Accommodation facilities. These features have been added to the building after its initial construction, rather than being included in its initial design. They believe that many loopholes have been exploited in these facilities’ construction.
Home and Living in the IAC Work Plan
The IAC’s Independent Advisors provided an update on the draft IAC Work Plan, which will guide the IAC’s work from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Members suggested that the IAC’s advice needs to focus on the needs of people, rather than just on money.
NDIA Home and Living Framework update
The NDIA shared an update on the Home and Living Framework. It noted that the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, the NDIS review, and the Government’s legislative reform agenda are all informing the final version of the Framework.
The NDIA acknowledged Members’ generous use of their time and expertise, which has ensured the Scheme is the best it can be.
Members noted the conflict between the official NDIA group home policy, and how many participants continue to be placed in these group homes despite their wishes. The NDIA acknowledged that the process was complex, but was in its first steps and it would take time to overcome some of its structural hurdles.
More information on the Reference Group
This was the final Home and Living Reference Group meeting. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
The IAC publishes an Easy Read version of this bulletin. This is part of its commitment to accessibility.