National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Independent Advisory Council (IAC) seeking members

Seeking people who may be suitable and interested in working with the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Who we need

We are seeking people for the IAC

  • Children Young People and Families Reference Group

  • Equity and Inclusion Reference Group

The current membership term is to June 2027.

About the IAC and IDRG

These reference groups are part of 4 Reference Groups that helps the IAC fulfill its role.

The other 2 Reference Groups are the:

  • First Nations Reference Groups

  • Intellectual Disability Reference Groups (IDRG)

The IAC’s role is to bring the views of people with disability, carers and sector experts to the heart of the Scheme. It provides independent advice to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board. More information about the IAC (ndis-iac.com.au).

The Reference Groups help make sure the NDIA Board hears the diverse voices of people living with disability and their communities.

The Reference Groups are made up of people with lived experience of disability, family members, carers and experts in disability.

  • The main work for the Children Young People and Families Reference Groups is to provide advice to support best practice for children, young people, their families and carers to maximise independence and inclusion in the community.

  • The main work for the Equity and Inclusion Reference Groups is to make the NDIS inclusive. Something is inclusive when everyone can take part.

What Reference Groups members do

Go to a minimum of 3 formal meetings a year.

Meetings are generally held online.

Meetings go for 4-6 hours. Members are offered an optional pre-brief before the meeting.

Members may also be invited to shorter out of session meetings. These are held online and generally go for 1-2 hours.

At each formal meeting members provide a member report

Members talk about different topics at each meeting and give advice to the IAC about:

  • the main issues effecting their community.

  • how the NDIS could be made better for participants.

  • How to make sure everyone is accountable for inclusion and diversity and the use of accessible communication and information.

Stay up to date with information from the IAC between meetings.

Attend informal/out of session meetings as required.

Pay

Reference Groups members get paid for their time.

The daily rate now is $476. If the meeting is only short, e.g. one or two hours, the pay is less.

Reference Groups members also have their travel paid for to attend meeting. Members also get an allowance for meals when traveling.

Support

The IAC Secretariat will organise anything you need for meetings like travel and accommodation. You can call the IAC Secretariat when you have any questions about meetings.

The NDIA will pay for any meeting support or personal support workers you need we going to meetings. Support workers will be paid as per the NDIS price guide.

More information

An easy read information pack with more information is available here.

How to apply

The IAC Secretariat is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from people

  • people with lived experience of disability

  • people with lived experience of disability who are under 25 years of age

  • carer or family representatives

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representatives

  • culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) representatives

  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual Plus (LGBTIQA+) representatives

  • People who live in rural and remote regions

who wish to be a part of either the Children Young People and Families or Equity and Inclusion Reference Group.

The Secretariat is a team at the National Disability Insurance Agency who helps runs the meetings and support members.

You can apply in writing using the form provided here or submit a video telling us about themselves.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the IAC Secretariat advisorycouncil@ndis.gov.au

EOI’s need to be submitted to advisorycouncil@ndis.gov.au by COB 1 August 2025.