Equity and Inclusion Reference Group meeting bulletin, 19 November 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Equity and Inclusion Reference Group met online on 19 November 2025. At the meeting, members discussed:
What they have heard in their communities
An update on inclusion strategies
An update on IAC advice.
Principal Member Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Tricia Malowney led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members shared community concerns about the new approach to planning. They are uncertain about plan flexibility if the Agency restricts how NDIS funding can be spent. Members urged the Agency to make plans accessible, understandable, and fair.
Members voiced concerns about plan reviews that result in participants moving into aged care facilities.
Participants are worried when receiving Agency communications.
Members raised issues with providers transitioning into the Agency’s latest online system, this seems to have stopped some payments. This has made receiving support difficult for some participants. The Agency noted it was aware of the issue and that the National Contact Centre can provide support.
Members raised growing concerns about the Agency decisions meaning some participants with psychosocial disabilities are now needing to live in Supported Residential Services (SRS). Members feel this can lead to increased risk and vulnerability. The Agency said it is supporting these participants by improving participant plans, making them easier to understand.
Members shared community concerns about the Agency’s plan to start using the iCAN assessment tool as part of new support needs assessments to be introduced from mid-2026. People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities feel the tool isn’t appropriate. Members suggested the Agency uses an intersectional approach and considers all aspects of a person's identity when designing reforms to the NDIS. This would ensure all participants are represented and treated fairly. The Agency is building on the tool’s core principles and collaborating with different groups to make improvements that address the concerns raised.
Members shared concerns about the lack of clear and effective guidelines during emergencies. Participants expressed concerns that specialist disability accommodation often has limitations that create challenges and delays when trying to safely evacuate. Members recommended better plans and clear safety rules for emergencies. The Agency noted the feedback and need for more information in conjunction with what is provided through local government and disability organisations. It was noted that the IAC intend to develop some advice on planning and support in emergency and extreme weather events.
Strategy update
The Agency updated Members on its inclusion strategies and principles. These included the CALD Strategy 2024-28, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and/or Gender Diverse, Intersex, Asexual, Queer, Sistergirl, and Brotherboy (LGBTIAQSB+) Strategy 2025-30 and the Intersectionality Framework and Inclusion Principles.
IAC Advice update
The IAC’s independent advisors updated Members on the progress of the ‘Age is not a number’ advice and ‘Guiding Principles and Measures of Success’ advice. Members discussed the ‘Home and Living’ advice that is under development.
More information on the Reference Group
The Equity and Inclusion Reference Group will next meet online on 25 February 2026. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.
Information in Easy Read
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