Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 27 May 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group met online on 27 May 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
How proposed changes to the NDIS could impact their communities
The IAC Work Plan 2026-27
The IAC’s advice on justice and home and living
Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Tricia Malowney led the meeting.
Community responses to proposed NDIS changes
Members discussed the impact of proposed changes to the NDIS that were announced by the Government recently. Members shared their own perspectives as people with disabilities, NDIS participants, and carers or participants. The Agency provided an update and answered Members’ questions about the reforms.
Members shared community concerns about the proposal to reduce funding for social and community participation. Members feel this has the potential to negatively impact participants, making their plans less flexible. They feel anxious about future changes.
Members shared how participants are worried about how some in the community feel about the cost of the NDIS. Participants feel negatively impacted when hearing how they are spoken about in discussions about Scheme changes. Members also feel there could be barriers, such as poverty, restricting participant access to the Scheme, which could lead to an increase in inequality.
Members asked what safeguards the Agency would use to protect participants against the consequences of social and community participation funding cuts. They feel strongly that marginalised and disadvantaged communities, as well as people at risk of domestic violence may be impacted more. Members feel that any safeguards as mentioned are for the Agency and providers and not so much for participants.
The Agency said it wants to work with the community as it makes the proposed changes. It faces many challenges clearly informing the community while the legislation is debated. The Agency said it is difficult to comment on specific aspects of legislation, and that it wants to guarantee the long term sustainability of the Scheme. The Agency said that some of the proposed changes still require legislation changes, so there are many ‘unknowns’ for now. Members said the community also know how important securing the NDIS for future generations is.
Members raised how Support Needs Assessments should require assessors to read participant information before meeting with them, to avoid requesting common information such as address rather checking that the information the Agency has is still right. Members feel there is a risk that much of the current participant data in the Agency’s systems is outdated.
The Agency said it was recruiting more assessors. This initial process will include 200 new assessors from among Agency staff.
The Agency assured Members that an expert panel will be used in the evaluation process to ensure recruits’ accreditation, quality and lived experience.
Members reported that communication on scheme changes is still confusing and not reaching the right people.
IAC Work Plan 2026-27
Members discussed the IAC draft Work Plan for 2026-27. The primary focus areas of the Work Plan are NDIS reform, safeguarding the Scheme’s intent, and working with the Department of Health and Disability.
IAC Advice update
The Reference Group discussed and provided input into the IAC’s ‘Justice’ and ‘Home and Living’ Advice, which are currently being developed.
More information on the Reference Group
The Reference Group will next meet on 5 August 2026 online. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
Information in Easy Read
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