IAC meeting bulletin, 9-10 September 2026
The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) met on 9-10 September 2026 online. At the meeting, they discussed:
What they have heard in their communities
IAC Advice
Service Delivery and the Participant Experience
Principal Member Leah van Poppel led the meeting.
What Members have heard in their communities
Members spoke positively about the Agency’s efforts developing participant plans in Easy Read. Members also noted the Agency’s work to embed Supported Decision Making into the new approach to planning, and ongoing staff training processes.
Members shared the First Nations Reference Group’s positive responses to the Agency’s recent First Nations Connect briefing. This is the new dedicated phone line for First Nations participants and nominees.
Members noted recent changes to the NDIS Act, including new plan reassessment request process, and upcoming changes to social and community participation and capacity building funding.
Members asked how participants will interact with the Agency in the future. The Agency shared that work on its operating model in preparation to implement new framework planning was underway. The Agency said it is always looking to provide suitable ways for participants to engage. Members met the Agency’s new General Manager of Strategic Communications, who provided an overview of the Agency’s communications approaches.
Members raised concerns from ageing parents who can no longer support their children with disability. They also noted the difficulties in getting access to NDIS funding for paid supports when informal supports cannot be sustained. Members also shared concerns about reports that participants who feel pressured to using Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements.
Members said there needed to be procedures in place if the Agency makes substantial funding reductions in a participant’s plan. Members felt changes need to be checked at multiple points to confirm that they are necessary. The Agency noted these were ongoing concerns and they will be monitoring outcomes.
Members asked the Agency for an update on new automated decision making powers in the NDIS Act and to clarify if the Agency plans to use it. The Agency assured Members that there are no immediate changes or plans to introduce AI-based decision making into the NDIS.
New Framework Planning update
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) updated Members on new framework planning rules and DHDA’s consultation materials.
IAC Advice update
Members provided feedback on ‘Planning and Supports in Emergencies’, ‘Justice and the NDIS’ and ‘Family as Paid Supports’ draft Advice.
NDIS legislation update
The Agency updated Members on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026.
Service Delivery and Participant Experience
The Agency briefed members on Change of Circumstance requests and Social and Community Participation funding.
More information on the IAC
The IAC will next meet on Wednesday, 4 November 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.