First Nations Reference Group meeting bulletin, 28 August 2025

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) First Nations Reference Group (Reference Group) met online on 28 August 2025.

The Reference Group discussed:

  • what they have heard in their communities

  • an update on the Garma Festival

  • the work of the NDIA’s First Nations Group

  • an update from the IAC Justice Steering Group.

Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member and Reference Group Co-Chair and Uncle Frank Curtis, Reference Group Co-Chair, led the meeting.

What members have heard in their communities

Members shared community concerns about health professionals who lack qualifications. This is a bigger issue in remote and regional areas. Members say participants want better trained workers to help them.

Members shared community concerns about NDIS funding. Members reported it is not always there when participants need it. Paying for reports can be hard because they cost a lot. Participants who have self-managed their funds for a long time do not like that they now have to use registered plan managers. Some Participants want to pay family for their NDIS supports. They feel this will reduce feelings of shame and ‘outside’ control.

Members said people are confused about recent announcements and changes in autism checks for our young children. They want clear information. Easy words and videos could help people understand better.

Members shared the challenges faced by the community when trying to get on the NDIS. First Nations peoples find it tough to share personal details. The Agency said it is trying to make things easier.

Members shared the importance of First Nations participants being supported by other First Nations peoples. They want other First Nations peoples to help with things like support coordination. There are programs are in place to encourage First Nations young peoples to get health assistance qualifications at school. The Agency also noted it is working with First Nations-owned businesses to understand their experiences and learn how to help them grow

Garma Festival update

Reference Group Members heard from attendees of the recent Garma Festival in Arnhem Land. It is Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering and celebrates Yolngu life and culture. Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, the Festival showcases traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling. It is an important meeting point for the clans and families of the region. Members enjoyed hearing about and seeing photos from the festival.

First Nations Group update

Representatives from the NDIA’s First Nations Group updated Members. The Group is co-designing and consulting with First Nations peoples with disabilities about improving the NDIS. 

They are working out how the NDIA might be able to attract more First Nations providers to deliver culturally safe services.

Members learnt that the NDIA is increasing First Nations staff, including a dedicated national contact centre team for First Nations participants.

Members learnt how NDIS reforms are including cultural safety.

Justice Advice Steering Group update

The IAC and its reference groups are developing advice for the Board about Justice. This is part of their work plan. Members got a summary of the proposed scope of the work. More talks will happen on 4 September 2025.

More information on the Reference Group

The First Nations Reference Group will next meet from 26 - 28 November 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.