Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 21 October 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group met online on 21 October 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
What they have heard in their communities
An update on several of the IAC’s Advice topics
How the Agency assesses, prioritises and escalates participants at risk
IAC Principal Member and Reference Group Co-Chair Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-Chair Tricia Malowney led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members shared participant experiences of the Agency using phone call check-ins that are actually plan reassessments. Members shared participants felt unprepared and unable to organise support. Members recommended the Agency use trauma-informed communication and be disability-friendly by giving participants time to engage their support networks.
Members shared that the current funding package reductions are difficult. Members noted these reductions are particularly difficult for participants if recent plan reviews found their funding necessary. Members expressed that this confuses participants. Members asked that the Agency note the concerns related to funding levels and potential safeguard risks that may arise.
Members shared some parents and providers have reported concerns related to how the Agency is assessing parental responsibility. Some have reported increased notifications to state and territory government child protection agencies after planning conversations. Some feel the Agency is not considering strength-based approaches when the parent also lives with a disability or the child’s equivalent developmental age. Members shared this was reported by low-income, Indigenous, and single-mother households with legitimate need.
Members shared participants reporting the Agency seeing participants’ small, additional income streams and considering them as a hobby rather than cottage industries. This harms participants' capacity building around social connection and employment and economic inclusion skills.
Members noted that of the 7 percent of the Schemes participants who receive the highest funding, these participants are generally in Supported Independent Living and institutionalised group homes. Members asked the Agency to consider spending less on group homes and more on flexible community inclusion and housing options.
Members asked for the Agency and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to mandate that providers confirm participant care arrangements with participants and the Agency before providers change ownership. Members recommended a process for establishing who takes responsibility of the care if the existing care process breaks down.
Participants at risk
The Agency updated Members on processes for urgent enquiries and safety risks. These are directed through the main National Contact Centre and is to ensure participant emergencies are handled promptly.
IAC Advice update
Members were provided with an update on the IAC’s draft ‘Trauma Informed Practice’ Advice, which the IAC is expected to endorse soon. A draft response from the Agency is currently in the works. Members were also provided with an update on the ‘Before, During and After the Role of the NDIA in Emergency Events’ Advice.
More information on the Reference Group
The Equity and Inclusion Reference Group will next meet in 2027. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
Information in Easy Read
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