Reference Group meeting bulletin – 2-3 July 2025

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group (Reference Group) met in Melbourne and online on 2-3 July 2025. The Reference Group discussed:

  • What they have heard in their communities

  • What the IAC’s priorities should be for its 2025-26 Work Plan

  • An update on IAC advice

Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Gavin Burner led the meeting.

What members have heard in their communities

Members shared that some regional and rural participants are worried about changes to provider travel allowances. Members reported how the cuts particularly impact participant living in remote areas, who require far greater travel to get their necessary supports. Members encouraged the NDIA to influence government and the sector to train more workers in regional and remote areas. The NDIA noted it was looking at the pricing arrangements for travel in remote areas.

Members noted how some in the community are confused about what are and are not NDIS supports and require more information and guidance from the NDIA. They also expressed concerns about particular things included in the list of things that are not NDIS supports.

Members shared community concerns about the recent introduction of shorter funding periods in plans. They feel short funding periods could make participants vulnerable, particularly in the event of a natural disaster or a period of high need. Members also noted that participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds feel the NDIA has not explained the changes in enough languages. The NDIA noted these changes are to ensure participants have the funding they need and to reduce the risk of participants running out of funding for essential services.

Members noted the NDIA’s messaging about Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is causing some community distress. The community would like the messaging to be clearer and easier to understand.

Members discussed the recent passing of First Nations peoples with disability in police custody. These incidents raise issues about the use of excessive force, reduced community trust, and require solutions.

Members asked the NDIA for an update on the independent review into pricing for music and art therapy.

Members shared community concerns about an increase in people with intellectual disability experiencing homelessness. Two privately run residential services recently closed with their residents given short notice to find new accommodation. The NDIA coordinated with local and state government to find places for them to live. Members commended the approach and NDIA for the role it played.

Members provided a report from the Conference of State Parties at the United Nations and reflected that when compared to other disability programs, Australia is lucky to have the NDIS.

2025-26 Work Plan priorities

Members agreed that the Reference Group’s 6 priority advice topics in the 2025-26 Work Plan would be:

  1. NDIS program of change

  2. Home and living

  3. NDIS and justice Issues

  4. Planning and support in emergency and extreme weather events 

  5. Inclusion in community through the NDIS

  6. Building the support workforce and markets in remote and regional areas.

Members hope to collaborate with the Independent Advisory Council and other Reference Groups to achieve the best outcomes.

IAC Advice

The IAC’s Independent Advisor led Members through a review of the draft scope for the IAC’s advice on home and living.

More information on the Reference Group

The Intellectual Disability Reference Group will next meet in Brisbane on 22-23 October 2025. 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.