IAC meeting bulletin, 5-6 August 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) met in Darwin and online on 5-6 August 2025. Members discussed:
recent issues faced by NDIS participants
an update on from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
advice to the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Ms Leah van Poppel, IAC Principal Member led the meeting.
Members acknowledged the passing of Mr Gavin Burner, who was a valued member of the IAC. Gavin was also the Co-Chair of the Intellectual Disability Reference Group, and a strong advocate for people with disability.
Community engagement
On 5 August, IAC members met with Darwin-based advocacy, representative and disability service organisations. Members were interested in learning more about their experience of the NDIS in the Northern Territory.
Members welcomed the CEO of Integrated Disability Action, the CEO of the Darwin Community Legal Service, the CEO of the MJD Foundation, and the Chair of the NT Disability Advisory Council, who each provided an overview of their organisation’s services and advice on the current operations of the NDIS.
What members have heard in their community
Members discussed recent therapy pricing and travel claiming changes, which may result in more services being delivered in clinical rather than natural settings (that is, at home or school). Members suggested this goes against evidence-based best practice, particularly for young children. Members raised concerns from regional and remote communities about pricing changes and travel claiming arrangements. Members shared examples of providers ending service delivery in regional and rural areas, leaving only graduate therapists or therapy assistants to support participants.
The Agency acknowledged feedback and is closely monitoring any unintended consequences of the changes. The changes intend to address some providers overclaiming. The Agency is also considering how it can re-categorise some isolated areas not currently categorised as ‘rural and remote’. It noted that new plans include the new pricing, so participants should not be out of pocket.
Members shared how unscheduled phone calls from the Agency for plan reviews are continuing to distress participants. The Agency noted it was looking at making technology available that lets participants book appointments. The Agency is also improving staff training in effective and accessible communication.
Members shared participants’ concerns about changes to funding periods. They suggested the Agency release 3 months’ worth of funding in the first month, followed by 11 equal monthly payments for the rest of the year.
Members said participants still feel confused about the information in the NDIS Support lists. Participants who have intellectual disability and/or rely on support coordinators and plan managers to interpret the rules feel neglected, as they feel the information is unclear or incorrect. Members also requested the Agency release plans in Easy Read.
Members shared concerns about new providers who do not follow the proper registration and audit processes. Members say these providers are purchasing pre-registered companies. They feel this puts the process’ integrity in doubt.
Members shared participants’ positive feedback for the Agency. Parents, families and carers of children and young people with complex support needs have said they appreciated the Agency’s respect and support.e IAC. ]
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission update
Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade, and Alisa Chambers, Deputy Commissioner, Regulatory Policy Insights and Review shared an overview of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s recent activities. They also showed Members the results of a recent survey of participants living in group homes.
IAC advice
The IAC heard an update on its ‘Home and Living’ and ‘NDIS and the Justice System’ advice. The Agency told Members about the relationship between the justice system and the NDIS.
More information on the IAC
The IAC will next meet online on 25 September 2025. Find out more about IAC meetings and bulletins at the IAC website. The IAC publishes an Easy Read version of this bulletin, as part of its commitment to accessibility.