Intellectual Disability Reference Group meeting bulletin, 9-10 April 2025

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Intellectual Disability Reference Group (Reference Group) met in Sydney on 9-10 April 2025. The Reference Group discussed:

  • What they have heard in their communities

  • An update on Inclusion Australia’s work to improve the accessibility of meetings

  • Planning changes for people in older group homes

Principal Member Leah Van Poppel and Reference Group Co-chair Gavin Burner led the meeting.

What members have heard in their communities

Members shared community concerns about participants waiting long times for access decisions and plan reassessments. Some participants say they are concerned that if they request a plan review their funding might be reduced. The Agency noted it was aware of these issues, and that it was working across policy and service delivery teams to resolve.

Members raised community concerns about changes in participant plans. If a participant changes their goals, it might mean they have funding available for things they don’t need and unavailable for things they do need. Members suggested participants need more control over their own plans and funding.

Members noted how multiple support coordinators have left their roles as it is unclear what their role will be once navigators are introduced. This is making it hard for participants, their families and carers to find help. Members would like more information on navigators, including in Easy Read.

Members discussed funding for emergency situations. Participants need to be better prepared for natural disasters and need emergency planning and funding in their plans.

Members also praised the Agency team which speeds up reviews for people who are moving, to provide them with more choice in public housing. Members remain concerned that there is a lack of suitable housing options.

The Agency gave an update about a new team that helps participants when providers stop delivering services. This team works with participants and other government agencies to get the right supports in place.

Inclusion Australia’s survey on IAC and reference groups

Inclusion Australia shared its work to make the IAC and its Reference Group meetings more accessible and inclusive. Past and current IAC and Reference Group members have shared their experiences, and reported what worked well, and what didn’t. They offered ideas to make the IAC more accessible and inclusive. Inclusion Australia are developing 7 new Easy Read resources to help people make decisions about joining the IAC and the impact they can have. Members liked the project and were enthusiastic about there being more Easy Read products.

Employment of people living with Intellectual Disability

The Agency provided an updated on things they have been doing to increase the number of people with Intellectual Disability employed by the Agency. Members encouraged the Agency to continue this important work.

Planning changes for people in older group homes

Members held a session on older group homes. Members were concerned participants haven’t been given choice about housing options, where they would like to live and with who, and the quality of some existing housing options. Members heard some advice that the IAC has already provided the Agency about this. They will use the conversations from the meeting to develop more advice.

More information on the Reference Group

The Intellectual Disability Reference Group will next meet on 2-3 July 2025. Find out more about IAC and Reference Group meetings and bulletins at the IAC website.