IAC meeting bulletin, 2-3 December 2025
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) met in Hobart and online on 2-3 December 2025. At the meeting, Council members:
shared what they have heard in their communities
welcomed Mr Graeme Head, NDIA Chief Executive Officer
received an update on Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids
heard from Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS.
Principal Member Leah van Poppel led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members shared ongoing concerns with Agency communication. This includes the areas of support coordination, funding periods, assessment and planning frameworks. The Agency said improving communication is a top priority. It will review its current materials and amend them to build community trust and improve access.
Members raised concerns about the effect of emergencies and extreme weather events on participants. The current IAC Work Plan will look at this. The IAC will give advice to the NDIA Board, with input from Reference Groups.
Members shared concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in plan development and approvals. The Agency said it does not use AI for these things, and that real people will develop and approve assessments and participant plans. It noted the release of the National AI Plan and is reviewing it.
Members raised the issue of ‘bed blocking’ in Tasmanian hospitals. They discussed the impacts of plan funding cuts, loss of informal supports and service coordination. The Agency outlined its work with state and territory governments to understand and address gaps in health services and coordination. The Agency acknowledged the issues’ complexity.
Members raised concerns about fraud across the Scheme. The Agency noted a new Bill introduced to Parliament which will strengthen powers to respond to fraud and malpractice across the Scheme
Mr Graeme Head, NDIA CEO
The IAC welcomed Mr Head, the NDIA’s new CEO. Mr Head shared his priorities for the Agency, including improving communication. Mr Head acknowledged the IAC’s important role in giving community a voice.
Update on Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids
The Department of Health, Ageing and Disability spoke about Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids. It noted the Thriving Kids Advisory Group and House Standing Committee continue to work on these key pieces of reform. The Report into the Thriving Kids initiative is due for completion by the end of 2025. The Report will inform the final design and service model for the initiative.
Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS
Minister McAllister acknowledged the significant work and loss of IAC Member Gavin Burner. The Minister spoke of Gavin’s strong advocacy work and the valued voice he provided, particularly for people with intellectual disability.
Members discussed with the Minister their perspectives and priorities for the NDIS reform, the IAC’s guiding principles and what it believes are measures of success for the reform.
Out of Session meetings
Members held two recent IAC Out of Session meetings on the topics of the future NDIS outcomes framework and plan management.
More information on the IAC
The IAC will next meet online on 12 February 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.