Reference Group updates

The NDIA works closely with a number of sector reference groups to help develop a strong working partnership.

Autism Advisory Group

The Autism Advisory Group was established in 2018 to provide a strong voice on behalf of people with autism who are participating in the NDIS.

Co-design Advisory Group

The Co-design Advisory Group provides strategic advice to the NDIA on the implementation of co-design and engagement processes in the disability community. 

Disability Representative and Carer Organisations  

We work closely with 27 Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs). These DRCOs work with the NDIA on reforms, changes and improvements to the NDIS.

The DRCO Forum meets quarterly to discuss Scheme improvements and experiences of participants across Australia.  

First Nations Advisory Council 

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) have jointly established a First Nations Advisory Council.

First Nations Advisory Council members are First Nations advocates and include First Nations people with lived experience of disability.

Independent Advisory Council 

The Independent Advisory Council (IAC) represents the participants’ voice in the NDIS. Under the NDIS Act 2013, the IAC has a statutory function to advise the NDIA Board on the most important issues affecting participants, carers and families.

Their advice aims to improve the Scheme, participant experience and outcomes. 

Industry Chief Executive Forum

The purpose of the Industry Chief Executive Forum (ICE), formerly the Industry Reference Group (IRG), is to advise on improvements to the NDIS, which support development of a competitive market with innovative supports and services, and empower participants to pursue their goals in inclusive communities and workplaces

Mental Health Sector Reference Group

The first meeting of the Mental Health Sector Reference Group was held in 2014.

Neurological, Palliative care and Rare conditions (NPR) Working Group   

The Neurological, Palliative care and Rare conditions (NPR) Working Group supports the Agency to deliver improved experiences for people with neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders or rare conditions or those requiring palliative care. The first meeting was held in May 2024. 

Participant Reference Group

The Participant Reference Group (PRG) consists of 23 participant and carer representatives across Australia. 

Pricing Reference Group

The Pricing Reference Group was established in response to the Independent Pricing Review (IPR) commissioned by the NDIA Board to address pricing issues raised by participants and providers. The Group first met in October 2018.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Reference Group

The SDA Reference Group was established by the NDIA to support the development of the market, increase choice and control for participants, and ensure the long-term viability of SDA investments under the NDIS.

Children’s Expert Advisory Group

The NDIA established the Children’s Expert Advisory Group (the Group, or the Advisory Group) in 2024 to focus on the experiences of children aged 0-14 years in the NDIS.