Strengthening NDIS: New advisory roles announced, Co-Chairs El Gibbs and Dougie Herd drive disability changes.
The Australian Government has appointed El Gibbs and Dougie Herd as the inaugural co-chairs of the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee. This significant step follows the recommendations of the Independent Review into the NDIS and aims to strengthen the voices of people with disability in shaping the future of the scheme.
“El has made an extraordinary impact on the disability and advocacy sector,” said Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten MP. “She brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the NDIS, particularly from the perspective of people with disability living in regional areas.”
Dougie Herd, who also served as a panel member on the Independent Review, brings over 30 years of experience in disability advocacy across Scotland and Australia. “Dougie’s expertise in disability advice and service delivery will be invaluable to the committee,” Minister Shorten added.
The committee will play a critical role in monitoring and advising State and Territory Disability Ministers on the implementation of NDIS reforms. It will provide independent advice on policy, process, timing, and community views, ensuring that the voices of people with disability are heard at the highest level of NDIS governance.
“People with disability have consistently emphasised the importance of their voices being heard on the NDIS,” Minister Shorten said. “This committee will deliver on that promise by providing a direct line of communication between the disability community and those responsible for implementing critical reforms.”
The committee will comprise thirteen members, including eight representatives from states and territories, and three additional members appointed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The Terms of Reference for the committee are currently being finalised and will be published on the DSS Engage website shortly, followed by the commencement of the EOI process.
The NDIS Reform Advisory Committee will operate for five years, with the inaugural appointments for 2.5 years. This crucial step marks a significant commitment to ensuring the voices of people with disability are central to the ongoing reform and improvement of the NDIS.
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Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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