First Nations Reference Group meeting bulletin, 4-5 March 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) First Nations Reference Group met in Nipaluna/Hobart and online on 4-5 March 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
What they have heard in their communities
The IAC’s Home and Living advice
An update from the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) First Nations Group on New Framework Planning.
Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Tess Moodie led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members asked if the Agency could make travel expenses available for sorry business in First Nations participants’ plans. The Agency said it was exploring the idea, and that a policy covering travel for sorry business is under development.
Members suggested the Agency is denying specialist disability accommodation supports to significant numbers of First Nations participants. This is leaving participants stuck in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and in worst case scenarios, leaving them homeless. The community feels the Agency is not communicating the reasons behind these decisions, nor offering enough support to find alternative housing.
The Agency said communication with participants needs improvement and is working on ways to do this in its contact centres and systems. The NDIS doesn't provide funding for general housing costs. Public and social housing is the responsibility of state and territory governments.
Members shared how some participants are reporting their plans are being ‘rolled over’ without the Agency telling them about it. The Agency said this shouldn't be the case. A check-in conversation should happen to see if plans are working for participants and if there have been any changes in their circumstances.
The Agency said participants should get in touch with the National Contact Centre (NCC) or their Local Area Coordinator if this happens. First Nations participants can access a culturally safe option if contacting the NCC.
Members noted how several Aboriginal community control organisations feel they are struggling with administration costs. This is causing fear and uncertainty in many communities.
Members asked for an update on the Agency’s plan to implement a gender strategy. The Agency confirmed that it put the strategy on hold while it allocated resources to implementation of new framework planning and participant safeguarding improvements.
Home and Living Advice update
The IAC’s Independent Advisors updated Members on the progress of the IAC’s Home and Living Advice.
New Framework Planning update
The Agency’s First Nations Group provided Members with an overview of its New Framework Planning (NFP) work. Members noted the importance of accessing early information about who would be first to experience NFP, as well as there being a culturally safe support needs assessment.
More information on the Reference Group
The First Nations Reference Group will next meet on 15-16 July 2026 in Alice Springs and online. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
Information in Easy Read
The IAC publishes an Easy Read version of this bulletin. This is part of its commitment to accessibility. .