National Mental Health Sector Reference Group

The National Mental Health Sector Reference Group was established to develop a strong working partnership between the mental health sector and the NDIA.

Membership

Membership includes representatives from consumers, carers, peak associations, NDIS Independent Advisory Council members and key government representatives including Mental Health Commissions.  

Current members:

  • Judith Drake – Consumer Representative
  • Kerry Hawkins – Community Mental Health Australia
  • Darren Munday – National Mental Health Consumer Alliance
  • Professor Sharon Lawn – Lived Experience Australia
  • Carolyn Nikoloski – Mental Health Australia
  • Derek James – Department Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Phil Watson – Victorian Department of Health  
  • Vince Ponzio – NSW Ministry of Health
  • Ivan Frkovic – Queensland Mental Health Commissioner
  • Dr Donna Gillies – NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
  • Dr Bill Pring – The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists  
  • Dr Leighton Jay – NDIS Independent Advisory Council
  • Amanda Curran – Allied Health Professions Australia
  • Kylie Coventry – Australian Psychological Society
  • Katrina Armstrong – Mental Health Carers Australia
  • David McGrath – National Mental Health Commission
  • Sam Shipley – Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Meeting summaries  

2026 meeting summaries

Previous meeting summaries

Download the Psychosocial Disability Recovery-Oriented Framework:

This page current as of
14 May 2026