First Nations Reference Group meeting bulletin, 26-27 November 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) First Nations Reference Group met in Mulubinba/ Newcastle and online on 26-27 November 2025. At the meeting members:
discussed what they have heard in their communities
worked on the IAC’s ‘Justice’ advice
heard an update from the Quality and Safeguards Commission
heard an update from the Agency’s First Nations Group.
Principal Member Ms Leah van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Uncle Athol (Aplo) Callaghan led the meeting. Worimi Elder, Uncle Neville Lilley led a Welcome to Country.
What members have heard in their communities
Members discussed the Agency’s changes to Short Term Respite. Members feel respite helps First Nations participants connect to families, particularly when they live in different areas. The changes are causing stress to participants and their families. Members asked the Agency to create participant plans that support them to lead a good life.
Members shared community concerns about funding periods. Members said participants need more flexibility in their plans. A 3-month funding period does not allow for flexibility. Members reported participants saying their plans have been changed from self-managed to Agency managed. This is causing stress as participants do not know why this is happening.
Members said First Nations communities are experiencing long wait times for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services. Some in the community feel providers are overcharging participants. Members feel First Nations people don't always know enough about the Scheme and how it works, and some providers take advantage of this.
Members said the community is concerned about the online portal. The community wants to know if the portal records any changes to their personal information. Members want the Agency to be more culturally considerate.
Members shared community worries about providers who are Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) who might need to leave the NDIS. They might need to leave because they cannot afford to deliver services with the funding they receive. These NGOs have asked for improved funding models so they can continue to service families.
Members reported that the Agency call centre wait times have improved and participants appreciate this.
The Agency said it would take note of all Member reports and provide feedback at the Reference Group’s next meeting.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission report
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission gave an update on Worker Screening improvements. Worker Screening is a national system that checks if people working with NDIS participants might cause an unacceptable risk of harm.
The Commission gave an update on the Commission’s First Nations-related work.
Community connections
Community and Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) talked about the value of community connections, choice and control with Members.
First Nations update
The Agency’s First Nations Group updated Members on some of its work against the First Nations Strategy | NDIS.
IAC Advice update
Members provided input into the drafting of the IAC’s ‘Justice’ advice.
Recent Out of Session meetings
From July 2025 to now, members have also attended then following Out of Session meetings:
Workshop IAC Justice Advice
First Nations Innovation Space (x 2 meetings)
Navigators
Cultural Safety Change Initiative.
More information on the Reference Group
The First Nations Reference Group will next meet 4-5 March 2026.
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.