Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting bulletin, 15 June 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Children Young People and Families Reference Group met online on 15 June 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
What they have heard in their communities
An update on communication before age 6 transitions and eligibility reassessments
The IAC’s Home and Living, and Justice advice
Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members shared the community’s feelings about the positive impact of social and community participation, and their fears about what would change if the Agency reduced funding for it in participants’ plans. Members feel people with lived experience of disability should be central to the decision making process, this includes proposed changes to legislation.
Members expressed community frustration around multiple aspects of the way the recent NDIS Amendment inquiry was conducted. They feel that the brief periods and small number of public hearings did not allow enough people to speak. Members feel the Senate’s report will not fully capture the youth perspective.
Members reported community concerns about the lack of information about foundational supports, outside of the Thriving Kids program. Without more detailed information about what the program will look like and how it will impact participants, the community are assuming the worst. Participants do not know how to plan for their future if the Agency removes their supports.
Members shared community fears about the Agency narrowing the criteria needed to access the scheme, removing existing participants from it and reducing individual funding. Members recommended the Agency co-design and collaborate with the disabled community to include lived experience in its decision making.
The Agency acknowledged the difficulties, stress, and anxiety the community feels. It noted the Thriving Kids program’s revised start date is 1 January 2028.
The Agency said it was working to ensure people understand both what the changes mean and how they operate. The Agency values the engagement and feedback from IAC and its reference groups.
Communication before age 6 transitions update
The Agency presented an update with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on communication before age 6 transitions and eligibility reassessments. Members heard how the Agency and Department support families during the eligibility reassessment process.
IAC Advice update
The Reference Group were provided with an update on the IAC’s ‘Justice’ and ‘Home and Living’ Advice, which are currently being developed.
NDIS Reforms and Support Needs Assessments update
Members discussed the progress and current sentiment on NDIS Reforms and Support Needs Assessments.
More information on the Reference Group
The Children Young People and Families Reference Group will next meet on 21 September 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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