Children, Young People and Families Reference Group meeting bulletin, 21 September 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Children Young People and Families Reference Group met online on 21 September 2026. At the meeting, they discussed:
What they have heard in their communities.
An update on the IAC’s ‘Before, During and After the Role of the NDIA in Emergency Events’ Advice.
An update on the Terms of Reference.
Reference Group Co-chair Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members shared how many participants and families are still confused about Thriving Kids. Members would like more information shared on this. The Agency acknowledged these concerns and assured Members there are no changes to NDIS access and eligibility requirements for children being implemented now. Changes to NDIS access requirements will commence from 1 January 2028 .
Members shared that many participants and their families do not yet understand the legislative reforms and their likely impacts. They asked the Agency to share more information about the changes with advanced notice and in plain language. The Agency acknowledged the community’s uncertainty and noted they are continuing work related to the reforms. The Agency shared that they would provide detailed but simple communications to participants as the changes happen.
The Agency noted that changes to when a participant can request a change to their plans started in August 2026. They also noted that in October 2026 there will be changes to participant plans due to the application of support determinations.
Members shared how young people in the community feel less empowered to take on self-management. Some young people are concerned about an increasing number of planning meetings. They are also concerned they may lose choice and control and will need to use plan managers. Young people with multiple disabilities fear they are going to feel the most impact from the legislative reforms.
Members asked the Agency for information about the future of support coordination and plan management. The Agency noted the Government has announced it will introduce direct commissioning for both plan management and support coordination services. This means participants will no longer be paying for those services through their plans. The changes are to ensure good coverage and accessibility. The Agency is working toward commissioning plan management from a panel of approved providers to commence in October 2027. These approved providers will be the only ones allowed to deliver those services.
Review of Terms of Reference
Members discussed the revised Terms of Reference.
IAC Advice update
The Reference Group discussed the latest updates to and the scoping for the IAC’s Advice Before, During and After the Role of the NDIA in Emergency Events Advice.
More information on the Reference Group
The Children Young People and Families Reference Group will next meet on 14 December 2026 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.