Meeting Brief - Meeting | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am — Minister McAllister to Minister McAllister (Click or tap to enter a date.) | FOI release material

FOI 25/26 - 2824 DOCUMENT 1 OFFICIAL

McAllister Ministerial Meeting Brief MB26-000059 Date sent to MO: Click or tap to enter a date.

To: Minister McAllister Cc: Minister Butler Subject: Meeting Brief - Meeting | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am

Minister Comments:

Clearance Officer:		Group:	Ph:
Contact Officer:		Division:	Ph:

Date/Time: [Day Month Year or N/A] Meeting type/location of Event: Physical or virtual [provide location i.e. Minister’s office and or dial-in details] Traditional custodians: Desired outcomes:

Keep succinct and factual.

Key attendees/speakers	Title	Organisation	Contact number
Remove this table if not required or unknown

Use Arial 12 point black font
One return between numbered paragraphs.
One space between sentences after a full stop.

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Paragraphs should not exceed 3 lines.
Consider the needs of the Minister/s rather than the level of detail you may prefer. What do/does the Minister/s need to make an informed decision. How much information is required to enable the Minister/s to act on the recommendations.
Spell out acronyms in the first instance, using the acronym after it is defined i.e. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Use NDIA and NDIS when referring to the agency or scheme.
If sub points are required use below format;
- Hollow point – 0.25 indent

Purpose of Event:

Why is the Minister going to this event?
What we would like the Minister to achieve get out of attending the event?
Start at paragraph one and use continuous numbering throughout the brief with normal paragraph spacing between the numbered paragraphs.
The brief should provide a ‘whole-of-NDIA’ view – not numerous single division or line area views. You should consider whether another division or line area may have valid input to your advice and if so, consult with that division or line area.
Do not duplicate information provided in other parts of the brief.

Media considerations:

This is a mandatory field. Please include any ongoing or potential issues that may attract media attention. Include a short summary outlining what the NDIA has done to respond to the issue (e.g. talking points have been developed (Attachment A refers)’ or ‘A communication plan has been drafted and is available at Attachment A’).
If there are no media considerations, please delete all instructional text and type ‘Nil’ in this field.

Sensitivities:

Include any adverse reaction anticipated from those affected by the recommended course of action.
If there are no sensitivities, please delete all instructional text and type ‘Nil’ in this field.

Financial Impacts:

<Insert N/A if not required> Details of financial implications must be detailed here. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) must be consulted where there are financial implications.

Regulatory Implications:

<Insert N/A if not required> State: new/amended regulations, application forms etc. Indicate impact to compliance cost and suggest offset mechanism.

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External Consultation:

<Insert N/A if not required> Detail any external stakeholders (include name, position, Department/Agency) who have been consulted in the development of this submission.
Where consultation has not occurred when it may be required, please advise why – do not simply indicate ‘N/A’.

Attachments:

Attachments should be kept to a minimum and only contain information or documents that cannot be incorporated into the brief as text. If your attachment is event details, talking points or biographies – please use the Templates listed in PDMS ‘Add Attachment(s)’ tab.

A: [Title of attachment] B: [Title of attachment] C: [Title of attachment]

Background:

Keep succinct, only essential background information should be included. Discuss key relationships, areas the Minister has shown an interest in, recent dealings (if any) and identify hot issues.
Do not repeat information included in the Key Issues section.
Background can be removed if there is no relevant background information to include.

PDMS Distribution CC List:

Minister Butler, Ministerial Branch Manager, Ministerial Director <Responsible area must list the names of relevant NDIA staff (e.g. EOs, DSOs, Director, Drafter) to receive an electronic notification when the Ministerial team assigns this brief to the MO and upon its return to the Agency from the MO. Only use first and last name (i.e. John Smith), font size 11 Arial>. Remove these instructions before progressing this PDR to Ministerial.

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Biography/Biographies

Name: Position: e.g. CEO, Senator, Chancellor Form of Address: e.g. Minister, Your Excellency

Tip: To change image of Interlocutor

Right click select Change Picture Select picture from file. Then delete this box

Professional career:

Personal Details: (if known)

Previous Contact:

Include information on any and all previous contact. Provide updates on progress on any commitments made during previous meetings.

e.g. You last met X in New York during the Y. You agreed to explore options for increasing cooperation on A, which is under consideration in committee B.

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EVENT DETAILS

Name of Event	PDR Subject
Date of Event	[Time Day Month Year]
Minister arrives	[Time]
Minister departs	[Time]
Address	[Street Number, Street Name, Suburb and Postcode]
Has the Minister met with this organisation/person in the past	Yes / No (choose one, delete the other and the slash)

If yes, provide details, including previous meetings with all portfolio Ministers. | | Arrival details | Location of arrival:

To be met by:

Drop off Location:

Parking Location:

Is parking for Comcar available: Yes / No (choose one, delete the other and the slash) | | Minister’s role | Provide details of the role of the Minister e.g. Launch, deliver speech, etc. | | Met by | The Minister will be met by [Position and name of person who will accompany the Minister, mobile number, in the XX foyer/at the XX entrance]. Identify the person who will accompany the Minister during the event]

Telephone no.

Mobile no. | | Attendees | Host: Title, name, role

Telephone:

i.e. whether the Minister is to make an address from a lectern or not; audio; standing/seated; cocktail function etc. |

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Run sheet:

Example:

| 10.15am | The Minister arrives.

Met by My John Smith

Meet and greet with approx. 4 or 5 individuals who are working at desks. | | :— | :— | | 10.25am | Mr Smith introduces the Minister and invites him to address the gathering. | | 10.27am | The Minister addresses the gathering (3 minutes). | | 10.30am | Doorstop briefing (private room). | | 10.35am | Doorstop Interview | | 10.45am | The Minister departs |

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Talking Points

Talking points refer to a product used for addressing the media, the public or any forum where a Minister’s remarks can be reasonably assumed to have the potential to enter the public domain.
Talking points that accompany a media release must be cleared by media.
To be written in first person, appropriate for the Minister to speak exactly as written.
Ensure that it is something that the Minister actually could/would say.
Keep clear and concise, spelling acronyms out the first time. Acronyms should be used after being defined.
Ensure any facts written are substantiated by data.
Section subheadings should be bold: Introduction, Conclusion, etc.
Formatting should be Black 14 point Arial.

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ATTACHMENT 1.1

From: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d) - Certain Operations of Agencies@health.gov.au> Sent: 10/03/2026 5:24:00 PM To: “MINISTERIAL” <redacted: s47E(d) - Certain Operations of Agencies>@ndis.gov.au> Cc: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d) - Certain Operations of Agencieshealth.gov.au> Subject: FW: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL] Attachments: Brief Minister ALLIANCE20.docx Categories: Ian

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Hi team

MO is seeking TPs/holding lines on a line in the attached Word doc:

Intensity Supports for People with Complex Care needs including behavioural and disability related medical needs.

Would it be possible to have informal advice from the complex supports team on the above (e.g. supports provided by the NDIS, and where/how other support needs provided in the wider care economy?) via email by 10am tomorrow 11 March 2026.

Apologies, the MO is meeting with Alliance20 tomorrow at 11am, and DLOs are sourcing other advice from prior briefings provided across the portfolio.

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F - personal privacy [He/Him] Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

redacted: s47F - personal privacy | redacted: s47F - personal privacy Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

This email comes to you from Ngunnawal Country

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

OFFICIAL

From: Laura redacted: s47F - personal privacy Sent: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 3:48 PM

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To: Minister McAllister DLO Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Jasmine redacted: s47F - personal privacy; Jasmine redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aph.gov.au Subject: RE: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL]

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Hey Lachlan,

Could you please ask the department to pull together a few talking points on each of the matters in the attached document using existing information?

Warm regards, Laura

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From: Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d) - Certain Operations of Agencies@health.gov.au>

Sent: Wednesday, 4 March 2026 9:50 AM

To: Laura <Laura redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>

Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Jasmine <Jasmine redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Jasmine redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aph.gov.au; Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d) - Certain Operations of Agencies@health.gov.au>

Subject: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL]

redacted: s47F - personal privacy

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Hi Laura

Next week on Wed 11 March 2026 we currently have a meeting scheduled with Alliance 20 from 11am-11:30am.

Minister Butler’s office are also meeting with Alliance 20 the day prior, and we have been CCd into their meeting brief (attached).

Let me know if this brief is sufficient to support our office to also conduct a meeting with Alliance 20 the day after Butler’s office, or if there are any new specific briefing points you’d like DLOs to task to the department to support our meeting.

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F - personal privacy [He/Him] Departmental Liaison Officer

Page 9 of 149

Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme T: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy | M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certahealth.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certaprotected.health.gov.au Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

This email comes to you from Ngunnawal Country The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

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ATTACHMENT 1.2

From: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certain health.gov.au> Sent: 11/03/2026 7:38:02 AM To: redacted: s47F- personal Elise“ <Eliseredacted: s47F- personal privacy *ndis.gov.au>; “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d)- Certain health.gov.au> Cc: “MINISTERIAL” redacted: s47E(d)- certain operations of age @ ndis.gov.au>; “Heffernan, Jane” Jane.Heffernan@ndis.gov.au Subject: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL] Categories: lan

OFFICIAL Hi Elise

Thank you kindly for providing so quickly with such a short turn around, please pass on the MO’s appreciation to the team.

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F- personal privac [He/Him] Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

T: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy | M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy

E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certa health.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certa protected.health.gov.au Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

This email comes to you from Ngunnawal Country The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country

throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

OFFICIAL

From: redacted: s47F- personal p Elise <Elise.redacted: s47F- personal priva ndis.gov.au>

Sent: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 7:10 PM

To: Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au>

Cc: MINISTERIAL redacted: s47E(d)-certain operations of agenc @ndis.gov.au>; Jane.Heffernan Jane.Heffernan@ndis.gov.au Subject: RE: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Importance: High

Hi Lachlan

Page 11 of 149

The below is some info that was presented to Alliance20, along with what evidence is required etc.

Overarching policy

High Intensity pricing can be provided when a participant meets one or more of the criteria for:

• Intensive and Complex Behaviour Supports, and, or

• Disability-Related Health Supports (High intensity daily personal activities)

If the criteria is not met, Standard intensity pricing will be applied. Price intensity is determined solely by the criteria, regardless of the participant’s living arrangements

Intensive and Complex Behaviour Supports criteria

Participant criteria for high intensity pricing in plan

A participant: • displays frequent behaviours of concern that have a significant effect on their or others’ wellbeing and safety; and • requires intensive support and the implementation of intensive proactive strategies (frequent/daily), skill development, and response strategies, which may include the use of restrictive practices to minimise the risk of harm to themselves or others; and • may, or is likely to, be experiencing other issues that exacerbate or increase the complexity of their behaviour support needs.

Provider criteria to deliver support

The provider must:

• be implementing behaviour support with the participant and in accordance with their interim or comprehensive behaviour support plan; and • be assessed for Module 2A (Implementing Behaviour Support Plans) and registered for the appropriate support items where they are providing support and; or • have submitted a registration amendment application or new registration application to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission including a completed audit assessment against Module 2A by 30 June 2025.

Note: Any provider who will implement a regulated restrictive practice must be a registered NDIS provider and audited as meeting the NDIS Practice Standards, including Module 2A Implementing behaviour support plan Intensive and Complex Behaviour Supports criteria

Disability-Related Health Supports

The NDIS will fund disability-related health supports where these supports directly relate to a participant’s significant and permanent functional impairment and assist them to undertake

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activities of daily living. Disability-related health supports are expected to assist in areas such as:

• Dysphagia: for participants who have trouble eating, drinking or swallowing on a daily basis. • Respiratory: for participants requiring help with their breathing and maintenance of their respiratory health, including any associated care, comfort, planning or supports • Nutrition: for participants requiring help with the way they eat or understanding the food they need. • Diabetes: for participants who have daily problems with how much sugar is in their blood. • Continence: for participants who need daily assistance with toileting (bladder and bowel). • Wound & Pressure Care: for participants who need daily wound and pressure care (resulting from pressure wounds or swollen limbs). • Podiatry: for participants who require help looking after their feet, ankles and lower limbs. • Epilepsy: for participants who need daily help managing the way epilepsy affects the way their brain and nerves work. • Botox and Splinting: It is unlikely Botox and splinting supports will be reasonable and necessary to include in a plan, as these are generally provided in a clinical setting.

Schedule 2—Module 1: High intensity daily personal activities outlines when DRHS meet the requirements for High intensity pricing.

Supplementary Module: High intensity daily personal activities

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission provides a set of skills descriptors that outlines the skills, training and knowledge NDIS providers must ensure their workers have when delivering these supports.

When a provider is supporting participants who rely on high intensity daily personal activities, they need to make sure their workers have the skills and knowledge described in the high intensity support skills descriptors.

Where relevant, workers should get training by an appropriately qualified health practitioner or a person who meets the expectations of this skills descriptor.

High intensity personal daily activity supports are:

• complex bowel care • enteral feeding and management • severe dysphagia management • tracheostomy management • urinary catheter management • ventilator management • subcutaneous injections • complex wound management.

Please let me know if this will suffice.

Thanks

Page 13 of 149

Elise redacted: s47F- personal Director, Ministerial Board Secretary, Ministerial and Parliamentary Branch T redacted: s47F- personal privacy F redacted: s47F- personal elise.redacted ndis.gov.au

From: Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au>

Sent: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 5:24 PM

To: MINISTERIAL redacted: s47E(d)-Certain Operations of Agencie @ndis.gov.au>

Cc: Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au>

Subject: FW: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL]

OFFICIAL

Hi team MO is seeking TPs/holding lines on a line in the attached Word doc:

Intensity Supports for People with Complex Care needs including behavioural and disability related medical needs.

Apologies, the MO is meeting with Alliance20 tomorrow at 11am, and DLOs are sourcing other advice from prior briefings provided across the portfolio.

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F- personal privac [He/Him] Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

T: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy | M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy

E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certa health.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certa protected.health.gov.au Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

This email comes to you from Ngunnawal Country The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country

throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

OFFICIAL

Page 14 of 149

From: Laura <Lauraredacted: s47F- personal privacy Health.gov.au>

Sent: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 3:48 PM

To: Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au>

Cc: Jasmine <Jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy Health.gov.au>; Jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy aph.gov.au Subject: RE: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL]

OFFICIAL

Hey Lachlan,

Could you please ask the department to pull together a few talking points on each of the matters in the attached document using existing information?

Warm regards, Laura

OFFICIAL

From: Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au> Sent: Wednesday, 4 March 2026 9:50 AM

To: Laura <Lauraredacted: s47F- personal privacy Health.gov.au>

Cc: Jasmine <Jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy Health.gov.au>; Jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy aph.gov.au; Minister McAllister DLO <Minister.McAllisterredacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au>

Subject: Meet | Alliance 20 - Wed 11 March 2026 11am-11:30am [SEC=OFFICIAL]

OFFICIAL

Hi Laura

Next week on Wed 11 March 2026 we currently have a meeting scheduled with Alliance 20 from 11am-11:30am.

Minister Butler’s office are also meeting with Alliance 20 the day prior, and we have been CCd into their meeting brief (attached).

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F- personal privac [He/Him]

Page 15 of 149

Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme T: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy | M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy

E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certa health.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certa protected.health.gov.au Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

This email comes to you from Ngunnawal Country The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country

throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

OFFICIAL

IMPORTANT: This e-mail is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain information that is confidential, commercially valuable and/or subject to legal or parliamentary privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is prohibited and may result in severe penalties. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the sender immediately and delete all electronic and hard copies of this transmission together with any attachments. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

Page 16 of 149

ATTACHMENT 1.3

ALLIANCE20

Alliance20 is a collaboration of Australia’s largest and most experienced registered not-for- profit disability service providers, collectively supporting more than 125,000 NDIS participants, many with high and complex support needs.

Our Priorities are:

New Planning Framework and process for Participants with Complex Care Needs

High Intensity Supports for People with Complex Care needs including behavioural and disability related medical needs

Access for People with a Psychosocial Disability

Annual Price Review

Tiered Registration – Support for SIL and Platform Providers. Concerns remain about the large number of unregistered providers

Differential Pricing and Planning _ Difference between Registered Providers, Unregistered businesses and Sole Traders

Home and Living Innovation

Foundational Supports including Thriving Kids

Artificial Intelligence

Participants Attending

Mr Rob White, CEO, Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Ms Natasha Fyles, CEO, Sommerville Community Service

Mr David Panter CEO, MINDA

Mr Andrew Chesterman, CEO, Endeavour Foundation

Ms Justine Colyer, CEO, RISE Network

Mr Andrew Hyland, CEO, Sunnyfield

Gill Callister, CEO Mind Australia

Brad Swan, Alliance20 Secretariat

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DOCUMENT 2

McAllister Ministerial Meeting Brief

MB26-000075

Date sent to MO: 7 April 2026

To: Minister Butler and Minister McAllister

Subject: Joint meeting with Alliance 20 & Ability First with Min. Butler, Blair Comley and Graham Head

Minister Comments:

Ph: redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Clearance	Scott Fitzpatrick	Division: Partners and	Ph: `redacted: s47F- personal privacy`
Officer:	Acting General	Providers
	Manager
Contact	Stephen Broadfoot	Branch: Providers	Ph: `redacted: s47F- personal privacy`
Officer:	Branch Manager

Date/Time: 13 April 2026, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Meeting type/location of Event: Physical — 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra

Traditional custodians: Ngunnawal (nunn-a-wol)

Desired outcomes:

• To learn about key priorities of mutual importance to Alliance20, Ability First Australia and their members.

Key attendees/speakers	Title	Organisation	Contact number
Dr Martin Laverty	CEO	Aruma	`redacted: s47F- personal privacy`
Mr Blair Comley PSM	Secretary	DHDA	Unknown
Mr Graeme Head AO	CEO	NDIA	Unknown
Mr Ross Schafer	First Assistant	DHDA	Unknown
	Secretary

Purpose of Event:

• You have been invited to a joint meeting with Minister Butler, Blair Comley, Secretary Department Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA), Graeme Head, CEO National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and members of Alliance20 (A20) and Ability First Australia (AFA) to discuss matters of strategic importance to A20 and AFA.

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• On 7 April 2026, Mr Laverty provided a brief outlining the purpose of the meeting, agenda items and attendees. This is available at Attachment B.

Media considerations:

• A20, AFA and its members have engaged extensively with media outlets in 2025 — 2026 on various matters. A summary of media publications can be found at Attachment C.

Sensitivities:

Annual Pricing Review (APR)

• Feedback has been received from A20 and AFA as part of the Annual Pricing Review Consultation: This feedback:

redacted: s47G- Buisness Information
redacted: s47G- Buisness Information
redacted: s47G- Buisness Information
redacted: s47G- Buisness Information

Supported Independent Living

• Andrew Rowley (AFA) and Martin Laverty (A20) met with redacted: s47F- personal privacy and Laura redacted: s47F- personal privacy from Minister Butler’s and McAllister’s office on 23 March ahead of the scheduled meeting 13 April. It is anticipated that they will raise a temporary viability supplement ahead of possible Supported Independent Living (SIL) commissioning and price reform.

• SIL supports participants with higher support needs to live as independently as possible. SIL helps with daily tasks, such as personal care, cooking, and household management. It is often delivered in shared living arrangements, with support 7 days/week.

• Data from Q2 25-26 claiming indicate there are:

o 3,610 registered SIL providers supporting 34,400 participants accessing SIL support o 3,422 unregistered SIL providers supporting 2,156 participants accessing SIL support.

• The Quality Supports Program SIL Pilot, in addition to other work underway with the SIL sector, will provide a credible response to industry financial viability concerns and provide the most streamlined approach to addressing market challenges and ensuring those providers that are critical to the Scheme’s success remain in the market.

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Financial Impacts:

• redacted: s47G- Buisness Information

• redacted: s47G-business affairs

Regulatory Implications: N/A

External Consultation: N/A

Attachments:

A: Talking Points

B: Meeting purpose, agenda and attendees

C: Media Scan

redacted: s47G-business affairs

E: Attendee Profiles

Background:

• A20 and AFA are both alliances that have formed to represent the interests of leading disability service providers with member organisations in all states and territories.

• Dr Martin Laverty, CEO, Aruma and A20 representative invited you to meet with members of A20 and AFA to discuss key priorities of mutual importance to both alliances.

• Key priorities for discussion as outlined by Dr Laverty include:

o New Framework Planning and process for participants with complex care needs

o High Intensity Supports for people with complex care needs including behavioural and disability related medical needs

o Access for people with a psychosocial disability

o Annual Price Review

o Tiered registration — support for SIL and platform providers. AFA and A20 have concerns regarding unregistered providers

o Differential pricing and planning - difference between registered providers, unregistered businesses and sole traders

o Home and living innovation

o Foundational supports including Thriving Kids

o Artificial intelligence

OFFICIAL

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OFFICIAL

• AFA through its subsidiary, Ability Roundtable (The Roundtable), hosts several benchmarking activities across different service types, including disability support, allied health, and shared independent living. The Roundtable collects, analyses, and publishes comparative information to help improve operational practice.

• On 12 March 2026, Graeme Head met with A20 member, Mind Australia (EC26- 000376).

• On 10 March 2026, Minister Butler met with A20 to discuss NDIS reforms (MB26- 000398).

• The NDIA hosts a regular quarterly CEO Provider Roundtable event which members of A20 and AFA attend. The last CEO Provider Roundtable was held on 3 March 2026

• A20 and AFA are both members of the Industry Chief Executive (ICE) Forum. A20 and AFA’s representatives for the ICE Forum are Leanne Fretten, CEO, Sylvanvale and Andrew Rowley, CEO, AFA

• The last ICE meeting was held 19 February 2026. The next ICE meeting is scheduled for 21 May 2026

• Minister McAllister met with AFA representatives on 29 July 2025 (MB25-000250), and 3 September 2025 (MB25-000312)

• Minister Butler met with A20 member on 26 September, Minda (MB25- 000330)

• Minister McAllister met with A20 representatives on 30 July 2025 (MB25-000247)

• The NDIA met A20 member, Ros Blakley, CEO, Possability, A20 member on 28 March 2025 (EC25-000740).

• Minister McAllister met with A20 member, Life Without Barriers on 20 May 2025

• The NDIA met with Chris Chippendale, Executive Lead Disability Engagement, Life Without Barriers on behalf of A20 on 26 May 2025 (EC25-001352)

• On 13 February 2025, the NDIA attended a virtual meeting with A20 members

• On 4 April 2025, A20 wrote to Hon Amanda Rishworth regarding provider financial viability concerns and requested a meeting

• Ongoing engagements are held between Dr Laverty and Penelope McKay, Deputy CEO Partners Providers & Home & Living Division NDIA

• Ongoing engagements are held between Brad Swan, Executive Lead Disability Engagement, Life Without Barriers and Miriam Slattery, General Manager, Partners and Providers Division.

PDMS Distribution CC List: Minister Butler DLO, Ministerial Branch Manager, Ministerial Director, Alex redacted: s47F- personal privacy DSO Partners and Providers Division, Scott Fitzpatrick, A/g GM Partners and Providers Division, Stephen Broadfoot, BM Providers Branch.

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ATTACHMENT 2.1

ATTACHMENT A

Talking Points

These talking points are high level responses to assist you to respond to

questions that may potentially be asked during the meeting.

Key messages

Annual Pricing Review

• This year’s Annual Pricing Review (APR) focusses on five support

categories:

o Disability Support Worker (DSW) Supports    o Therapy Supports    o Support Coordination o Plan Management    o Social, Community and Civic Participation (SCCP)

• An extensive consultation process provided participants, providers

and stakeholders with the opportunity to engage meaningfully on the

proposed direction in pricing reform and help shape the NDIA’s

approach.

• This year the NDIA strengthened the evidence base used for

benchmarking therapy supports, including analysis of more than 16

million therapy transaction across multiple funding systems.

• This year the Agency also consulted with States and Territories to

develop modifications to the provisions in the pricing rules to support

thin markets in regional Australia.

• The APR is expected to be publicly released by 30 April 2026.

Consultation

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• Consultation for the 2025-26 APR was open from 27 November 2025

to 8 February 2026. Consultation was run through the Agency’s

dedicated engagement and consultation platform: NDIS Engage and

included Participant Focus Groups.

• Stakeholders engaged well with the structured approach. The Agency

received 3,220 responses: 2,519 provider responses; 557 participant

survey responses; and 141 uploaded written submissions. In

comparison, during consultation for the 2023-24 APR the Agency

received 350 provider and 550 participant responses.

• Other engagements included Disability Senior Officials Group

(DSOG), provider and participant peaks, and Commonwealth

departments and agencies, including the Commonwealth’s Chief

Allied Health Officer.

• The consultation documentation stated that the Agency was

considering price differentiation in the Social, Community and Civic

Participation market.

General themes from consultations:

• Pricing should reflect participant complexity and provider capabilities:

o Stakeholders broadly supported pricing that would better reflect

differences in complexity, provider capability and risk, while

emphasising the need for clear definitions, consistent

application and auditability.

• Price settings influence behaviour and market structure:

o Price limits shape billing practices, travel decisions and supply

of services.

• Registration is not seen as an adequate proxy for quality.

o Participants and providers value competence, supervision and

experience more than on registration status alone.

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• Quality is viewed as multidimensional.

o Stakeholders described quality as encompassing competence,

supervision, continuity, behavioural capability and participant fit.

Price differentiation:

• As part of its Three-Year Pricing Workplan, the NDIA in 2026-27 will

complete a Therapy Pricing Review to assess whether existing

therapy pricing arrangements, including the NDIA’s current

benchmarking approach remains fit-for-purpose.

• As part of this review, the NDIA will explore differentiated approaches

to pricing and market stewardship to better reflect participant needs

across the NDIS and protect long term quality provider viability.

• This represents a shift from a more agnostic data driven approach, to

one which seeks to better steward markets to improve services over

the long term.

• Differentiated pricing is not new to the Scheme. Existing

arrangements differentiate based on geography, time of day and

supports with higher intensity, complexity or regulatory requirements.

• The NDIA will draw on data from the Quality Supports Program (QSP)

pilots to investigate whether differentiated pricing approaches could

better recognise the diverse service offerings and cost structures

across the disability support market, while maintaining participant

choice and control.

• As part of its work program, registration and assurance arrangements

will be explored, in recognition of the compliance and quality

investments required of quality providers.

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• Ways to improve billing transparency to support participant

understanding of charges and support arrangements will also be

explored.

Quality Supports Program Pilots (SIL and Therapy Supports)

• The Quality Supports Program is part of the NDIA’s commitment to

strengthen NDIS pricing approaches to help ensure that NDIS

participants can access quality services that deliver value for money.

• The Quality Supports Pilots (the pilot) have been established to

provide essential foundational data, insights, and evidence to identify

the features of quality service provision, understand the costs

associated with delivering quality supports, and assess the

relationship between service characteristics and participant

outcomes.

• Findings will be considered alongside broader evidence, including the

2025-26 APR submissions, administrative and utilisation data,

external benchmarks, and targeted engagement to inform future

pricing reviews as part of the NDIA’s Three-Year Pricing Workplan.

• The Quality Supports Program includes three targeted 12-month

pilots across different support types. The Supported Independent

Living (SIL) and Support Coordination Pilots commenced August

2025, and the Therapy Supports Pilot commenced March 2026.

• NDIS registered providers participating in the pilots were selected

following closed (by invitation only) competitive and non-competitive

grant approaches.

• The SIL Pilot is working with forty-four NDIS-registered providers, and

the Therapy Pilot is working with twenty-seven NDIS-registered

therapy providers.

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• Total grant funding of $45M across the three pilots supports

participating providers to work collaboratively with the NDIA to

complete quarterly deliverables which includes detailed financial

reports; questionnaires; case studies; engagement sessions; provider

interviews; and participant engagement activities.

• The eligibility criteria to participate in the pilot was comprehensive,

with precise thresholds. This is to ensure the program is focused on

gaining critical insights into pricing for medium to large providers.

• Providers participating in the pilots are listed on the NDIS Quality

Supports Program webpage.

Three Year Pricing Workplan

• In December 2025, the NDIA released a three-year workplan to

improve NDIS pricing and ensure it continues to support sustainable,

high-quality services and value for NDIS participants.

• The workplan was developed in collaboration with the NQSC and the

DHDA to ensure alignment with market stewardship objectives and

reforms across the support economy.

• The NDIA consulted on the workplan including Commonwealth

departments, states and territories, peaks bodies, providers and

advisory groups.

• This approach balances the need to address emerging market

pressures with measured, data-driven decision-making that considers

system-wide impacts.

Thriving Kids

• Thriving Kids will commence rollout of state-based services from 1

October 2026 and is expected to be at scale by 1 January 2028.

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• Governments have agreed that states and territories will deliver

general parenting supports, local information, advice and navigation,

and targeted allied health supports under Thriving Kids. The

Australian Government is responsible for national measures that will

enable the program to operate effectively, including information and

awareness activities, online and phone advice (including wayfinding

assistance), workforce initiatives, and program evaluation.

• There is no immediate impact to how the NDIS operates.

• The Australian Government and all state and territory governments

have agreed in principle to change NDIS access arrangements to

support the rollout of Thriving Kids.

• NDIS access changes will commence from 1 January 2028, when

Thriving Kids is fully rolled out.  

• Children enrolled in the NDIS prior to 1 January 2028 who are aged 8

and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to

moderate support needs will continue to be supported through the

NDIS, subject to existing NDIS arrangements. 

• Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be

eligible for the NDIS, subject to usual NDIS arrangements.

• Governments are working together to align future NDIS access

changes with the rollout of Thriving Kids, to ensure children and their

families, carers and kin are supported to access services that best

meet their needs.

• The Agency is working closely with the DHDA, states and territories

on the intersections between Thriving Kids and the NDIS pathway to

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ensure a smooth transition and interface between Thriving Kids and

the Scheme.

• In preparation for the rollout of Thriving Kids, the NDIA will be

commissioning an independent consultancy to analyse the potential

impacts on the NDIS-funded Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

provider market. The purpose of the work is to build a clear,

evidence-based understanding of how the ECI market is operating,

including strengths, pressures, and risks.

Tiered Registration – Support for SIL and Platform Providers.

• Data from the NDIS Commission for Q1 FY 2025–26 shows that

7,094 providers claimed SIL services during that period.

• Of these providers, 3,377 or 48 percent were registered, while 3,717

or 52 percent were unregistered. Although over half of the providers

were unregistered, registered providers were responsible for

supporting 93 percent of participants receiving SIL supports.

• The Commission has set 1 July 2026 as the start date for the

transition to mandatory registration.

• Unregistered SIL providers and platform providers do not need to be

fully registered by this date, however they will need to take action

towards registration during the transition period to remain in the NDIS

market to deliver these services and supports.

• This transition period will allow providers the time needed to prepare

and complete the steps to remain in the NDIS market.

• The NDIA is working very closely with the NDIS Commission to

support this change. The joint efforts focus on managing

implementation risks and maintaining market stability.

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New Framework Planning

• The Australian Government is improving the NDIS to make it fairer

 and easier to navigate for participants.

• A new way of planning will be gradually introduced in stages from

 mid-2026.

• The new way of planning is a direct result of the feedback received

 during the NDIS Review.

• This important work, shaped by feedback from the disability

 community, is building a fairer, simpler and more sustainable

 NDIS.

• The Government had planned to introduce the new way of

 planning in September 2025 but has listened to advice from the

 disability community that more time will improve delivery and

 minimise disruption.

• We will keep listening and learning so we can improve.

• In the meantime, participants can continue to use their current

 plans to purchase NDIS supports.

Support needs assessment tool

• In September, a partnership with University of Melbourne and the

 Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) following a competitive

 procurement process for a Support Needs Assessment tool was

 announced.

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• The tool is called the Instrument for the Classification and

Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN). It will become the basis for

our new assessment approach.

• I-CAN was developed by CDS following extensive research into

the best ways to identify and classify an individual’s support needs.

It is an evidence-based tool designed for people with disability.

• It has been used and refined over 20 years in different programs,

including the national Disability Support for Older Australians

program.

• Over the next 5 years, the NDIA will work with these partners to

develop and then roll out the support needs assessments after

tailoring I-CAN to meet the unique needs of NDIS participants.

• The NDIA will consult with staff, participants, families, carers and

the broader disability community to make sure that when they start

introducing support needs assessments from mid-2026, they work

for everyone.

• Alongside the delivery of I-CAN, the NDIA is starting a recruitment

process for Support Needs Assessors.

• These assessors will play a key role in delivering high-quality,

participant-focused assessments using the I-CAN Support Needs

Assessment Tool.

• Importantly, assessors will undertake training and gain

accreditation in using the I-CAN Support Needs Assessment Tool

from the Centre for Disability Studies.

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• They will also be part of testing.

• These roles will help build capability and support consistent

 assessment practices through roll out.

• This ensures that the NDIA will be well-prepared to deliver high-

 quality assessments when the new way of planning is introduced.

NDIS Reforms

• Payments and Funding amounts: Since October 2024, new and

 reassessed NDIS plans may include:

 o Funding component amounts – funding for a specific support
   or group of reasonable and necessary supports.

 o Funding periods – the time that a part of a participant's
   funding becomes available and how long it needs to last.

• These changes support responsible use of NDIS funding and help

 participants make informed choices, stay on track with their goals,

 and manage their plans with confidence.

• Payments cannot exceed funding amounts: Previously, some

 plans may have received additional funding when the original

 budget ran out. This can no longer occur.

 o The NDIA is legally required to ensure payments do not go
   over the total funding amount, funding component amounts,

   or funding periods in a plan.

 o Participants and providers must work together to ensure
   supports are delivered within the plan’s funding amounts.

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• Under the Act there are only very limited circumstances where a

 payment may be made above the participant’s funding amount.

 These are:

 o There is evidence that the participant has experienced fraud
   or financial exploitation.

 o The payment is needed to prevent or reduce an imminent
   threat to the participant’s life, health, or safety.

 o The participant was unable to request a plan change due to
   their impairment or lack of decision-making support.

 o The NDIA has not yet made a decision on a request for
   urgent funding due to a significant change in the participant’s

   support needs.

NDIS Market Stewardship Framework

• Market stewardship of the NDIS is a shared responsibility amongst

the NDIA, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the NDIS

Quality and Safeguards Commission (co-stewards).

• Lead agency responsibility for the Market Stewardship Framework

transitioned to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA)

as per Ministerial direction in September 2025.

• Over the past 12 months, the NDIA has contributed to work to update

the NDIS Market Stewardship Framework in collaboration with co-

stewards.

• The NDIS Market Stewardship Framework is planned for staged

delivery throughout 2026.

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• The NDIS Market Stewardship Framework is being revised to

improve the Australian Government’s stewardship of NDIS markets.

• The new market stewardship framework will define governments’ role

in shaping, supporting and monitoring NDIS markets to promote the

efficient functioning of disability support markets.

• The Market Stewardship Framework includes a vision, strategy,

updated roles and responsibilities, governance and approach to

market monitoring.

• The current governance framework for co-stewards to manage

market issues in the NDIS includes the Disability Reform Ministerial

Council (DRMC) and the Schedule Oversight Group,

which is identified in the Joint Operational Protocol agreed with the NDIS

Quality and Safeguards Commission. DRMC

membership comprises all state and territory disability Ministers, the

Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing and the NDIS.

Market Stewardship

• The NDIA continues to support the NDIS market through market

activities including:

o updating the NDIS Market Stewardship Framework (an update to the Market Enablement Framework released in 2018)

o establishing provider lists to assist participants, their families, and carers to find trusted information on products and providers more easily

o Launching and implementing quality supports pilot programs in Supported Independent Living and Therapy (that remunerate

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providers for working with the NDIA to develop a deeper understanding of quality service delivery and pricing implications)

o the Integrated Care and Commissioning (ICC) pilots

o the release of the Three-Year Pricing Workplan 2025-2028

Behaviour Support

• A Behaviour Support Plan is a document developed by a NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner (NDIS practitioner) and prepared in consultation with the person with disability (the participant), their family, carers, and other support people.

• Positive behaviour support focuses on improving a person’s quality of life and understanding the reasons behind behaviour and ways to meet a person’s needs.

• Restrictive practices must only be used within a positive behaviour support framework that includes proactive, person-centred and evidence-informed interventions.

• This includes strategies such as teaching a person new skills, making changes to their environment and providing guidance to their support team. Behaviour Support also seeks to minimise the use of restrictive practices.

Role of the NDIS Commission

• The NDIS Commission’s role is to provide registered NDIS providers and NDIS behaviour support practitioners with clear guidance to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place with the

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aim of reducing and eliminating the use of regulated restrictive practices where possible.

• The role of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) includes to protect and prevent people with disability from experiencing harm arising from poor quality or unsafe supports or services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

• The NDIS Commission priorities include:

o protecting the rights of people with disability

o improving and regulating the quality and safety of positive behaviour support

o reducing and eliminating restrictive practices.

• The NDIS Commission provides NDIS providers and NDIS behaviour support practitioners with clear guidance to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place with the aim of reducing and eliminating the use of regulated restrictive practices where possible.

• The Commission presently has a focus on ensuring providers using regulated restrictive practices, but not complying with their obligations, take all reasonable steps to facilitate the development of behaviour support plans that cover the use of those practices.

• Under the NDIS Act 2013, if a NDIS provider, or a person employed or otherwise engaged by an NDIS provider, is found to have contravened the NDIS Act 2013 or Rules, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner may undertake compliance and

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enforcement action, in a risk responsive and proportionate manner, applying the strongest actions to the most serious breaches.

Psychosocial disability

• The NDIS funds ongoing psychosocial supports that focus on improving functional ability.

• This includes supports that work with participants, in accordance with their goals and preferences, to:

 o build capacity

 o increase levels of independence to undertake daily living
   activities

 o be part of their chosen community(ies)

 o participate in social and economic life.

Other supports for people with psychosocial disability

• Examples of other NDIS funded psychosocial supports can include:

 o capacity building supports to build skills, independence, and
   support decision making, e.g. for education or work

 o supports to build more independence in day-to-day life

 o social skills development to help build relationships with
   family, friends and be part of the community

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o building life skills including confidence, resilience, and to take care of your health and wellbeing

  o social and recreation support if help is needed to participate
    in social activities, sporting clubs or community groups

  o help to manage your rental or home ownership
    responsibilities, where you need this support because of
    disability

  o support from allied health professionals like mental health
    occupational therapists. These professionals can help with
    strategies to manage or reduce the functional impact of
    psychosocial disability.

  o help to plan and coordinate your NDIS supports with mental
    health treatment and services

Artificial Intelligence

• The NDIA is committed to ensuring security, reliability and integrity of its technologies whilst providing a positive experience for staff, participants, and the broader disability community.

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its maturity is evolving, and the Agency is taking a conservative and measured approach to exploring AI use in a secure, legal and ethical way, aligned to whole of government directions.

• The NDIA has implemented strong measures to mitigate risks and continues to strengthen treatments to ensure the use of AI aligns with Government and community expectations.

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• The NDIA is leaning into AI and the capability it can enable. AI, when used responsibly and ethically, gives more capacity to deliver a high performing NDIS that is available for those who need it.

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ATTACHMENT 2.2

Briefing Note: 1pm 13 April, 2026

Problem statement

A delegation of 26 Board Chairs on behalf of accredited NDIS providers, supported by National Disability Services, Alliance 20 and Ability First Australia, seek urgent action in response to:

• NDIS participants with complex or high intensity support needs experiencing service disruption because of incorrect pricing and unsafe participant plans funding forcing accredited NDIS providers to cut services, defer investment and enter receivership.

• redacted: s47G- Buisness Information

• The previous 30 July 2025 delegation of Board Chairs raised viability risk of NDIS prices not based on participant safeguarding and worker safety compliance. redacted: s47G- Buisness Information

Solution

• The delegation of Board Chair’s endorses the 5-6% scheme growth target. In doing so, the delegation seeks in principle commitment to funding safe and financially sustainable services for the most complex NDIS participants, (for who the scheme was established).

• The Three-year pricing work plan, with independent and differentiated pricing, is supported. Implementation uncertainty heightens fiduciary risks. Temporary viability relief, via options proposed in submissions of NDS, AFA and A20 pre-MYEFO and pre-Budget, are urgent.

• A potential decision of Government to commission Supported Independent Living has significant provider support. Whereas its adoption may stabilise SIL viability long-term, short term SIL viability relief is urgent to assure SIL solvency until reform implementation.

Meeting agenda

1pm Delegation Convenor Dr Martin Laverty to outline meeting purpose 1.05pm Jo Denley, Board Chair, Minda: “Nothing has changed, except compliance.” 1.10pm Prof Allan Fels, Board Chair, Mind Australia: “Expecting psychosocial cuts.” 1.15pm Cathy Taylor, Board Director, Life Without Barriers: “Impact on clients.” 1.20pm Elizabeth Jameson, Board Chair, Endeavour Foundation: “Employment loss risk.” 1.25pm Callen O’Brien, Board Chair, Ability First Australia 1.30pm Hayley Dean, Board Chair, National Disability Servies 1.35pm Response of Government, Department and Agency, and discussion by all 1.55pm Convenor closes meeting by specifying agreed next steps 2pm Close

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Briefing Note: 1pm 13 April, 2026

Attendees

Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Blair Comley, Secretary, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Graeme Head, Chief Executive, National Disability Insurance Agency Ross Schafer, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Penelope McKay, Deputy Chief Executive, National Disability Insurance Agency redacted: s47F- personal privacy, Senior Adviser, Office of Hon Mark Butler Laura redacted: s47F- personal privacy, Senior Adviser, Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister

Jo Denley, Board Chair, Minda Prof Allan Fels, Board Chair, Mind Australia Elizabeth Jameson, Board Chair, Endeavour Foundation Karen Ingram, Board Chair, Sunnyfield Dr Peter Langkamp, Board Chair, The Disability Trust Greg Couttas, Board Director, Hireup Jan O’Keefe, Board Director, genU Cathy Taylor, Board Director, Life Without Barriers Alex Gelman, Board Chair, Unisson Prof Lorraine Sheppard, Board Director, Benevolent Society Hayley Dean, Chair, National Disability Services Rob Topfer, Board Chair, Nextt Mel Chatfield, Board Chair, Rise Callen O’Brien, Board Chair, Ability First Australia Alison Quinn, Board Director, Ability First Australia Guy Cowan, Board Director, Ability First Australia Liz Forsyth, Board Director, Ability First Australia Greg Ward, Board Director, Ability First Australia Hamza Vayani, Board Director, Carpentaria Dianne Ritson, Board Chair, Ability WA Sean Parker, Board Director, Achieve Australia Malcolm Kinns, Board Chair, Aruma Matthew Nicholls, Board Chair, Cara Simon Crane, Board Chair, CPL Dr Sonia Sharp, Board Chair, Melba Support Services Horst Bemmerl, Board Chair, MS WA Kirsten Armstrong, Board Chair, Northcott Trent Bartlett, Board Chair, Rocky Bay Prof Sanchia Aranda, Board Chair, Scope Mark Grey, Board Chair, St Giles Angela Tillamanns, Board Chair, Vertaview Group Dr Joanna Flynn, Board Chair, Berry Street Yooralla

Andrew Rowley, Chief Executive, Ability First Australia Michael Perusco, Chief Executive, National Disability Services Brad Swan, Convenor, Alliance 20 Dr Martin Laverty, Chief Executive, Aruma

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Aruma Services Ltd

30/31 March 2026: Australian Financial Review (AFR) – During AFR Healthcare Summit, Dr Laverty said: “93 per cent of providers in the market aren’t registered and are taking profits from the scheme.” Dr Laverty said expectations of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) needed to shift from the scheme funding ’‘reasonable and necessary’’ supports to funding ’‘essential and required’’ support.

19 March 2026: ABC Radio Brisbane: Interview with Dr Laverty on challenges facing the Scheme following AEIOU’s entry into administration. He highlights unsustainable costs, with registered providers operating at a loss while unregistered providers charge high fees without accreditation. He calls for stricter regulations and state-led foundational supports to ensure the NDIS remains viable for those with profound disabilities.

06 March 2026: The Australian: Dr Laverty spoke on NDIS funding changes amid the pending entry of Thriving Kids. Questions have been raised whether cutting back reliance on the NDIS within this cohort alone would be enough to meet the government’s growth targets.

26 February 2026: Australian Financial Review: Dr Laverty spoke on claims of a lack of regulation for unregistered providers. He said the NDIS does not need more money, but the money in the NDIS needs to be spent better.

December 2025: Widespread coverage on the closures of Group homes amid funding challenges. Reports say Aruma, was failing those living in its group homes.

8 January 2026 – The Age: Almost 2000 Victorians with profound disabilities are facing potential home closures after losing state government subsidies and a refusal by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to cover the funding shortfall – Dr Laverty said “… The NDIA has provided no relief to be able to bridge the loss of the subsidy, so we are left with no choice.”

25 November 2025 – The Guardian: Not-for-profit disability services are closing due to untenably low price caps, NDIS architect warns - “For some years, many of us in the sector have been telling the National Disability Insurance Agency that flaws in their pricing are contributing to not-for-profit registered providers of disability services going broke,” warned Dr Laverty.

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24 November 2025 – Australian Financial Review: Delay of ‘biggest NDIS reforms ever’ costing budget $1.1b - Laverty, now the chief executive of registered disability provider Aruma, said another NDIS cost pressure was the number of unregistered service providers.

24 November 2025 – ABC Listen: NDIS described as a ‘trainwreck’ - Dr Laverty who was a founding member of the NDIS says it’s a ‘train wreck’ and that he and others who helped design the scheme are ’horrified’.

24 November 2025 – The Australian: NDIS providers’ losses double, more taxpayer bailouts likely. Dr Laverty said inaction from the Agency to level the playing field and ensure not-for-profit providers remained in the market risked millions more dollars being needed in bailouts.

7 October 2025 – The Syndey Morning Herald: Scale of family concerns about NDIS replacement revealed - “Aruma delivered early intervention services to children and families before the NDIS, and over the last 20 years has developed its evidence- based programs that build capacities for children and families across both metropolitan and rural regions,” chief executive Dr Martin Laverty, a former board member on the NDIA, told the inquiry.

20 May 2025 - WA Today: Dr Laverty said an immediate task for incoming NDIS Ministers’ Butler and McAllister was improving participant experiences and registering providers.

The Benevolent Society

10 June 2025 – Victorian Parliament Committee: Talks of the merger of Berry Street and Yooralla. How this is a good example of services catering to the children and family’s sector as well as in the disability sector.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

06 September 2025: Central Western Daily: Participants mother talks about the opening of CPA Orange Centre and the impact it has had on their family with easier access and reduced travel.

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17 November 2025: AFR: The work of researchers at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance has contributed to a 40 per cent reduction in cerebral palsy rates in Australia, one of the lowest in the world at one in 700 births.

20 January 2026: Financial News Arena: Cerebral Palsy Alliance, The University of Sydney, and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have commissioned Miroma Project Factory to deliver a groundbreaking mobile app that helps people with cerebral palsy, their carers, and clinicians understand and navigate evidence- based treatments with confidence.

Challenge Community Services

23 April 2025: Southern Highland Express: Carol Berry was the Labor candidate for Whitlam. She was CEO of The Disability Trust at the time and has held senior roles in disability services, women’s health, and public sector organisations, including the NDIA.

07 August 2025: Illawarra Mercury: More people with disability in the Illawarra will have access to employment support and job-seeking services when the federal government introduces its new employment program. The Disability Trust is one of 84 organisations nationwide funded to deliver Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), a new service to help people with disability find and maintain employment.

18 November 2025: Minister Butler press conference: Announces new owner for Bedford, The Disability Trust, will retain all of the employees that are so critical to the operations of Bedford.

04 February 2025: WEB InDaily SA: Not-for-profit disability services provider, The Disability Trust, has formally taken over the operations of South Australian company Bedford Group, saying it has secured 1250 jobs for supported workers and clients with disabilities.

Endeavour Foundation

24 June 2025: ABC North QLD (syndicated): The Endeavour Foundation and AIR will close its social enterprise model in Septemb

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er, impacting seven workers. Spokesperson Kiralee Bolton says securing funding thr ough the NDIS was a challenge.

18 July 2025: Bundaberg Today: Endeavour Foundation’s Bundaberg disability social enterprise was urgently seeking community support to help secure jobs for people with disability into the future. The organisation states it is facing challenges delivering its mission due to difficulties operating under the NDIS.

24 November 2025: Herald Sun (syndicated): Story about underfunded NDIS plans leaving providers out of pocket. Endeavour Foundation in Brisbane, remains more than a million dollars out of pocket after arranging emergency help during Cyclone Alfred supplying close to 730 people with disabilities intensive support over the one event.

05 February 2026: Mercury: Coronial findings regarding the death of NDIS participant. Participant was living in accommodation provided by Endeavour Foundation at the time of death. Coroner found the support workers supervision and Endeavour’s systems regarding diet were both appropriate.

Life Without Barriers

08 May 2025: Sydney Morning Herald (syndicated): Concerns regarding a child’s care was outsourced to Life Without Barriers, their belongings were stolen and they were not enrolled in school and NDIS Paperwork was never lodged.

04 June 2025: Cairns Post (syndicated): A young Aboriginal man who died after being restrained by police had a history of being ‘under medicated and under treated’ while under an NDIS and guardianship plan. Family questions why he was not with his NDIS carer at the time.

13 August 2025: SBS News (syndicated): Calls to support proposed changes to a law that prevents some people with disability from speaking about their experiences known as Clause 37. Life Without Barriers supports the change

01 September 2025: ABC Radio (syndicated): The family of an unnamed 27-year- old Aboriginal man who died in 2022 from acute respiratory failure while under the care of disability provider Life Without Barriers is suing the organization in the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

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07 September 2025: The Age (syndicated): Thousands of Victorians with disabilities face the prospect of eviction from their group homes and the loss of due to a funding stand-off between private providers, the state and the federal government.

02 March 2026: Herald Sun (syndicated): Life Without Barriers Education has launched four fee-free Special Assistance Schools this year in communities that need more options for alternative schooling.

Mind Australia Ltd

04 February 2026: Hobart Mercury: NDIS provider in $1.5m collapse is listed as a mental health practitioner for Mind Australia Ltd.

Ability WA

26 February 2025: Channel 7 Perth: New programme launch, AccessTech, in Western Australia. For the first time, West Australians will have access to high quality assistive technology in a hire environment so they can have it when they need it, where they need it, when their o wn assistive tech isn’t available.

Cootharinga

19 November 2025: Townsville Bulletin: In April 2023, it was discovered that Cootharinga, which employs over 500 staff, had underpaid staff $1.7m for the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 October 2022.

Melba Support Services

September 7: The Age: Part of a group of five not-for-profits who issued a joint statement confirming funding shortfalls were affecting their ability to continue current services during funding stand-off between private providers, the state and the federal government.

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November 20: WA Today: Spoke on Child Safety Reforms and delayed 450-page child safety bill originally set for an October deadline.

MSWA Ltd

21 October: ABC Radio Perth: Interview with Melanie Kiely on MSWA expansion into SA and the NT in rescue of counterparts entering administration.

19 Jan: The West Aus: In regional WA where services are already limited, almost 500 health and social assistance organisations had entered administration in the past year, and stripping this service from the Scheme will tip more providers, and more clients, into crisis.

Scope (Aust)

08 November: The Sunday Age - Implicated in systemic residential care failings following a spike in chocking deaths, including that of a 62-year-old man with Autism, who died in September 2025 while under the care of Scope during a field trip to Healesville.

St. Giles Society Ltd

12 April 2025: The Examiner – Honni Pitt placed blame on the NDIS and its funding after St Giles made cuts to its health staffing. Pitt said, “unfortunately, until the NDIS is properly funded, organisations such as ours are forced to make these decisions in order to ensure we can continue to be viable.”

01 October: The Examiner – Pitt penned an Op-ed on the closure of multiple providers due to NDIS reforms/APR. She said the NDIS has entrenched itself as a valued national institution, but While the Scheme has delivered many positive changes for participants, the sector that supports the Scheme has seen registered providers battered by annual price changes that don’t align with the cost of delivering services.

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ATTACHMENT 2.3

Payments received by Alliance 20 and Ability First Australia member organisations From March 2025 to March 2026.

redacted: s47G-business affairs

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OFFICIAL Biography/Biographies

Name: Jo-Anne Hewitt Position: CEO of Achieve Australia Form of Address: Jo-Anne Hewitt

Professional career: Jo-Anne joined Achieve Australia in 2019 as CEO responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the organisation and the delivery of quality services and outcomes. Prior to this, Jo-Anne was Executive Director Disability at The Benevolent Society. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, leading complex organisations through periods of significant growth and transformation. Personal Details: Jo-Anne holds a Master of Arts (Psychology) and is a current Board member of Inclusive Housing Australia.

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Name: Martin Laverty Position: CEO of Aruma Form of Address: Dr Martin Laverty

Professional career: Dr Martin Laverty has been involved in disability support for 30 years. He helped design and implement the NDIS – he was an inaugural Director of the scheme, serving on the NDIA Board from 2013 to 2021. In 2022, Martin commenced as CEO of Aruma. Personal Details: He’s previously led three different disability organisations, has lived experience of disability and an advocate’s voice for social justice. He was recently the CEO of the Australian Medical Association, and before that he was CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

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Name: Kate Fulton Position: CEO of Avivo Form of Address: Kate Fulton

Professional career: Kate has worked with Avivo for over 10 years and became CEO in 2022. Kate has supported organisations across Australia and Europe to develop contemporary, person-centred practices. Her experience spans both strategic and operational leadership, with a strong focus on building positive, values-led cultures that enable colleagues and the people they support to thrive. Previously, Kate led several initiatives as a Development Consultant, with many resources published through WAIS and Citizen Network.

Personal Details: Kate has a long history of working to support social justice systemically and individually.

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Name: Kevin Barrow Position: CEO of The Benevolent Society Form of Address: Kevin Barrow

Professional career: Kevin has two decades of leadership experience across the healthcare and not-for-profit sectors. Most recently he served as CEO of Sydney North Health Network (Northern Sydney PHN), where he led system-wide change in primary healthcare through collaboration, community empowerment, and strengthening safety nets for vulnerable people.

Personal Details: Prior to that, Kevin was CEO of the Butterfly Foundation. He spearheaded major initiatives including the establishment of Wandi Nerida, Australia’s first residential treatment centre for eating disorders, and the national rollout of the Butterfly Body Bright program in primary schools.

Through his work in the Australian healthcare and not-for-profit spaces, Kevin believes in the importance of integrated support to improve service access, quality, user satisfaction and efficiency.

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Name: Terry Symonds Position: CEO of Yooralla Form of Address: Terry Symonds

Professional career: Terry Symonds is proud to serve as Berry Street Yooralla’s Chief Executive Officer and is strongly committed to partnering with people with disabilities, their families and supporters and ensuring children, young people and families are safe, thriving and hopeful.

Terry has previously held Senior Executive roles in the Victorian public sector, primarily in funding and management of hospitals, mental health and aged care. Terry’s previous experience includes senior roles at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Queensland Health.

Personal Details: Terry holds postgraduate qualifications in Health Management and Mental Health from the University of Queensland and has completed Executive Development in Non-Profit Management at Harvard Business School. Terry is a Victorian State Committee member for National Disability Services and serves as a Director on the Boards of Eastern Health and the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network.

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Name: Rob White Position: CEO of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Form of Address: Rob White

Professional career: Rob White is Chief Executive Officer of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, one of the largest disability service providers in Australia, supporting over 6,500 people with disability and providing a range of services including accommodation, respite, employment and therapy.

Personal Details: Rob has a deep appreciation of the key issues that face clients and families under the NDIS and is committed to improving the quality of life of people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

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Name: Julie May Position: Acting CEO of Challenge Community Services Form of Address: Julie May

Professional career: Julie joined Challenge Community Services in 2014 and has held Executive positions across Foster Care and Community Services and is currently Acting CEO. Julie has over 25 years’ experience in education, leadership and human services. Her work, whilst varied, has always been guided by social justice principles.

Personal Details: Julie prefers the notion of ‘socially just’ practice over ‘social welfare’ practice, believing that the notion of ‘welfare’ is entrenched in deficit thinking, systems dependency and stereotypes, and fails to celebrate the resiliency demonstrated by human kind.

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Name: Karenza Louis-Smith Position: CEO of The Disability Trust Form of Address: Karenza Louis-Smith

Professional career: Karenza Louis-Smith is the proud Group CEO of The Disability Trust, leading the organisation with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to empowering people with disability and complex mental health needs. She brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a genuine passion for creating inclusive, person-centred services that empower individuals and communities.

Karenza’s extensive career began in youth services in the UK, and over the years, she has held senior roles across Australia, including CEO positions at TaskForce and The Australian Community Support Organisation (acso), working in the areas of disability, mental health, offending, employment service, and drug treatment. As Chair of the Board at Mental Health Victoria, Karenza plays a pivotal role in influencing policy and driving sector-wide reform.

Personal Details: Karenza is a passionate advocate and a strategic thinker. Her vision is clear: to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter how complex or challenging their needs.

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Name: Andrew Chesterman Position: CEO of Endeavour Foundation Form of Address: Andrew Chesterman

Professional career: Andrew Chesterman has an extensive background in strategic, values-based leadership and public administration, with 35 years of professional experience. He has spent over a decade as a Chief Executive Officer / Director General across three public sector organisations, in addition to many other senior executive positions. These included the Queensland Public Service Commission (Commission CEO), Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Director General), Redland City Council (CEO).

Personal Details: As the parents of a young man with intellectual disability, Andrew and his wife together with their daughter have worked in and around supports and the disability sector, to get the best outcomes for him. This gives Andrew a deep appreciation of what it is to live with, respect, advocate and care for people with intellectual disability.

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science, Post-graduate Diploma in Education, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Certificate of Organisational Coaching.

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Name: Chelsea Tobin Position: CEO of genU Form of Address: Dr Chelsea Tobin

Professional career: Dr Chelsea Tobin commenced as genU’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in February 2026. Chelsea brings extensive experience across the social and community services sector, having led organisations in the children, youth and family services fields, as well as in the domestic and family violence sector. This leadership builds on a long-standing and accomplished career in the commercial and corporate sectors.

Personal Details: Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and Arts (Psychology), Honours, and a PhD in Strategy.

She is a strong advocate for social justice and is deeply passionate about empowering communities and driving lasting, positive change.

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Name: Peter Willis Position: CEO of Hireup Form of Address: Peter Willis

Professional career: Peter Willis is the CEO of Hireup as of January 2026, transitioning into the role after leading client and worker support services. Peter has led Hireup’s client and worker support services as General Manager of Attendant Care – the part of Hireup whose sole focus is dedicated to making sure people with disability receive personalised support.

From behaviour and specialised assistance to Individualised Living Options and Relationship Management, it all laddered up to Pete and his team.

He has also been a key driver behind the success of Hireup’s support provider offering, leading his team to build a service that enables providers to access our national, flexible support workforce.

Personal Details: Peter began his career in the social sector, helping government and not-for-profits improve services through technology.

After a period of consulting with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), he wanted to move into the disability provider space where innovation was growing.

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Name: Claire Robbs Position: CEO of Life Without Barriers Form of Address: Claire Robbs

Professional career: Claire is a highly skilled strategist with more than 20 years’ of experience in the human services and community sector that began in front-line service delivery. Claire began her journey as a disability support worker. Throughout her career, she has maintained a strong belief in the delivery of great services, influencing social policy and doing good for future generations.

Claire has extensive experience working in disability, mental health, aged care and out-of-home care services. Since becoming Chief Executive in 2011, Claire has developed Life Without Barriers to become an organisation that is led by values and driven to disrupt the barriers that far too many people face in our communities.

Personal Details: With a strong reputation in the sector and with Government, Claire is revered for her ability to collaborate and partner in a truly authentic way, and is a prominent and reliable voice on ways to deliver high-quality supports for people seeking support and services from the non-government sector.

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Name: Gill Callister Position: CEO of Mind Australia Form of Address: Gill Callister

Professional career: Gill has dedicated her career to improving public policy and service delivery, particularly for vulnerable people in the community, and was recognised with a Public Service Medal in 2019. Most recently an Associate Dean and Vice President at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) in 2019-20, Gill served as Secretary of two Victorian Government Departments over almost 10 years from 2009 to the end of 2018 – The Department of Human Services and The Department of Education and Training.

Personal Details: In 2022 Gill was appointed a member of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Board, the new Centre being a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health system. Gill holds an Adjunct Professor role at Monash University and her leadership in public policy was recognised in 2013 when she received a Sir James Wolfensohn Public Service Scholarship to attend Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In October 2014, Gill was awarded the IPAA National Fellowship award and a Monash University Fellowship, and in 2017 Gill was named one of the top 50 women in the Victorian public service.

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Name: David Panter Position: CEO of Minda Form of Address: David Panter

Professional career: David Panter took up the role of CEO in late January 2022. Working in health and social care for over 40 years, David is highly committed to human rights and advocating for the diversity of Australian communities.

Personal Details: David originally trained as a psychologist and has worked in health and social care in both the UK and Australia for over 42 years, half of which has been as a Chief Executive. David is committed to human rights and ensuring that services respond appropriately to the diversity of Australian communities.

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Name: Kerryn Eastwood Position: Chief Customer Experience Officer at Nextt Form of Address: Kerryn Eastwood

Professional career: Kerryn’s role at Nextt is to ensure that clients’ voices aren’t just heard but acted upon – while balancing people, processes, and technology.

Over 30 years’ experience across different industries, including corporate roles and work in the UK, has helped Kerryn hone her leadership, client experience, and strategic thinking skills.

Personal Details: Growing up in a family of small business owners, Kerryn said she learned early the importance of putting the client first. Kerryn says Nextt’s commitment to customer centricity and innovation aligns closely with her own values and the organisation offers a collaborative environment where she can contribute meaningfully while staying true to what matters most to her. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, Pilates, and travelling to experience different cultures.

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Name: Greg Ward Position: CEO of Novita Form of Address: Greg Ward

Professional career: Greg Ward was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Novita Children’s Services in July 2016. With a focus on innovation and shared outcomes, Greg offers strong leadership for the achievement of our vision and ongoing sustainability. His experience in the selection and management of high performing teams will enable the implementation of a range of new exciting strategies for our transformation into meeting the challenges of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Greg has a long and impressive pedigree with successful military, public and private sector roles, including at CEO and Board level.

Personal Details: Following a 19-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, he has held a number of challenging positions in civil infrastructure, manufacturing, global defence businesses and ICT project management, both in South Australia and overseas.

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Name: Justine Colyer Position: CEO of Rise Form of Address: Justine Colyer

Professional career: Justine has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the community through social welfare organisations. She has over 25 years’ experience in strategic planning, project and change management, working across Europe and Australia in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

Personal Details: Justine is a significant contributor to the WA community sector through her work on peak and industry bodies, as well as pro bono support for a range of other non-profit organisations. She has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors program and is also a Telstra Business Woman award winner.

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Name: Natasha Fyles Position: CEO of Somerville Community Services and Somerville Housing Form of Address: Natasha Fyles

Professional career: Natasha Fyles has been the CEO of Somerville Community Services since 2025. A long-serving Northern Territory parliamentarian (2012 – 2024) and former Chief Minister (2022–2024), Natasha brings extensive experience in government, disability policy, and social services to her role on the Alliance 20 Board. As the NT Minister for Disabilities, she led the Territory’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), working closely with participants, providers, carers and Aboriginal-controlled organisations to shape a system that met the unique needs of Territorians.

Personal Details: Holding a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Canberra, Natasha is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Natasha lives in Darwin with her partner and two sons along with their dog Rumble. She loves to spend time running on the Nightcliff foreshore or out on the Darwin harbour fishing.

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Name: Cheryl Barrett Position: CEO of Kanda Form of Address: Cheryl Barrett

Professional career: Cheryl Barrett is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Kanda, an organisation dedicated to delivering Purpose, Belonging, and Security to some of our community’s most vulnerable people. With decades of experience, Kanda has built a strong reputation for providing trusted, high-quality health, human and social support services to individuals and communities across Australia.

Personal Details: Cheryl takes a hands-on approach to leadership, to give her a deep understanding of the diverse operations and enable direct access for everyone.

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Name: Andrew Hyland Position: CEO of Sunnyfield Form of Address: Andrew Hyland

Professional career: Andrew joined Sunnyfield as CEO in October 2022. Andrew has brought a wealth of experience from his time as CEO of Lifestyle Solutions and his years driving positive transformation in the private sector.

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Name: Leanne Fretten Position: CEO of Sylvanvale Form of Address: Leanne Fretten

Professional career: Leanne commenced at Sylvanvale in 2004 as an Occupational Therapist and has since held various management roles in the organisation across a number of departments including Children’s Services, Client Services, and People & Culture. Leanne was appointed Sylvanvale’s Chief Executive Officer in 2016.

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Name: Lee Carpenter Position: CEO of Unisson Form of Address: Lee Carpenter

Professional career: Lee joined Unisson in August 2023, assuming the role of CEO. With a wealth of experience exceeding 30 years in the health and disability services, Lee has gained invaluable insights and expertise. Over the past 14 years, Lee has led teams at Northcott and Scope, two prominent Disability Service Providers in Australia, guiding them through the complex NDIS landscape and ensuring the highest standard of support and services.

ABILITY FIRST MEMBERS

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Name: Jacquie Thomson Position: CEO of Ability WA Form of Address: Jacquie Thomson

Professional career: Jacquie joined Ability WA as Chief Executive Officer in September 2018. She has held a wide range of senior strategic leadership roles for the past two decades at Lotterywest. She is committed to the not-for-profit sector and developing our community as one that is inclusive, strong and socially rich.

Personal Details: Jacquie holds a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) from Curtin University, a Graduate Certificate in Management from Deakin University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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Name: Jo-Anne Hewitt Position: CEO of Achieve Australia Form of Address: Jo-Anne Hewitt

Professional career: Jo-Anne joined Achieve Australia in 2019 as CEO responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the organisation and the delivery of quality services and outcomes. Prior to this, Jo-Anne was Executive Director Disability at The Benevolent Society. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, leading complex organisations through periods of significant growth and transformation.

Personal Details: Jo-Anne holds a Master of Arts (Psychology) and is a current Board member of Inclusive Housing Australia.

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Name: Martin Laverty Position: CEO of Aruma Form of Address: Dr Martin Laverty

Professional career: Dr Martin Laverty has been involved in disability support for 30 years. He helped design and implement the NDIS – he was an inaugural Director of the scheme, serving on the NDIA Board from 2013 to 2021.

In 2022, Martin commenced as CEO of Aruma.

Personal Details: He’s previously led three different disability organisations, has lived experience of disability and an advocate’s voice for social justice. He was recently the CEO of the Australian Medical Association, and before that he was CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

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Name: John van Ruth Position: CEO of Cara Form of Address: John van Ruth

Professional career: John joined Cara in October 2023 as Chief Executive Officer and holds a number of non-executive directorships. Prior to joining Cara, John spent three and a half years as Chief Executive Officer at another respected disability support provider.

Personal Details: John is a Chartered Accountant and spent his early career working for large accounting firms in Australia, Canada and Holland. John then spent many years in senior finance and technology roles with iconic South Australian companies before transitioning to the not for profit and services sector.

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Name: Annie Rily Position: CEO of Carpentaria Form of Address: Annie Rily

Professional career: Annie Rily commenced as Carpentaria CEO in June 2017 and has a strong interest in achieving positive outcomes for people with a disability while developing high quality, contemporary direct service models. She was closely involved in the national reforms associated with the NDIS and has a keen interest in delivering services which enable individuals to fully benefit from the opportunities available under the NDIS.

Personal Details: Annie has a background in Allied Health, specialist disability and behaviour support with highly developed change management and leadership skills gained through experience in both the private and government sectors.

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Name: Rhys Kennedy Position: CEO of CPL and Cootharinga (merger occurred in 2020) Form of Address: Rhys Kennedy

Professional career: Rhys has been Chief Executive Officer of CPL since December 2016. Rhys brings a unique combination of knowledge, skills and experience to the role, many of which have been acquired from within the organisation. After joining CPL as an Occupational Therapist in Rockhampton, Rhys held a number of local management roles before taking a leadership role in the organisation as General Manager – Strategy, a position which would ultimately lead him into the CEO role.

Rhys is well known and respected in the human services sector, through his roles on a number of advisory groups. He is on the board of Ability First Australia. He also sits on the Boards of CPL subsidiaries, Cootharinga and Access Arts.

Personal Details: He holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Business Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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Name: Hayley Dean Position: CEO of Melba Form of Address: Hayley Dean

Professional career: Hayley is a dynamic and innovative leader with over 30 years of experience in the disability, aged care and community sectors. Hayley has been with Melba since 2017 and played a key role during the transition to the NDIS and the successful transfer of government services. Hayley is passionate about putting power in the hands of the person with a disability to live the life they choose. Hayley possesses a wealth of knowledge in human rights service design, governance and compliance. Under Hayley’s guidance Melba has transformed from a small, regional service to one of Victoria’s largest disability service providers. Hayley is the President of National Disability Services – Australia’s peak body for disability service organisations and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Personal Details: Hayley has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Disability from Deakin University and completed Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management at Harvard Business School.

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Name: Melanie Kiely Position: CEO of MSWA Form of Address: Melanie Kiely

Professional career: N/A

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Name: Liz Forsyth Position: CEO of Northcott Form of Address: Liz Forsyth

Professional career: Liz was appointed CEO of Northcott in September 2020. With a love for Northcott and its staff and customers, Liz is very passionate about the organisation and is excited to lead Northcott into the next stage of its development. Liz joined Northcott in 2008 as a family support worker in our Coffs Harbour branch and has held a range of roles including Area Manager, Business Development Manager and leadership roles in Customer Experience, Supported Living and Northcott Innovation. Liz then took on a role as CEO of CareSouth, gaining valuable leadership experience, before returning to lead Northcott’s response to COVID-19 and the integration of Creativity Inc.

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Name: Greg Ward Position: CEO of Novita Form of Address: Greg Ward

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Name: Michael Tait Position: Managing Director of Rocky Bay Form of Address: Michael Tait

Professional career: Since joining the community services sector in 2006, Michael has been actively involved in many projects and committees within both the more specific disability services and also the broader community and not for profit arenas. Rocky Bay is a founding member of Ability First Australia, an association of Australia’s leading disability services organisations and as a member CEO, Michael sits on the Board and is therefore involved and exposed in many national disability issues.

Personal Details: Prior to taking the role of Managing Director of Rocky Bay, Michael spent over 25 years in senior management positions within the health, hospitality, property development and disability sectors. During this time he operated in Polynesia, Indonesia, Australia, UK and Europe for both national and internationally based organisations.

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Name: Lisa Evans Position: CEO of Scope Form of Address: Lisa Evans

Professional career: Lisa Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of Scope Australia, one of Australia’s largest and most trusted providers of disability services.

With more than 35 years of leadership experience across the health and disability sectors, Lisa is a passionate advocate for supporting people with disability to belong and thrive. Since joining Scope in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, Lisa has played a key role in strengthening operational performance, embedding the One Scope approach, and building strong connections between staff, clients, and communities.

Personal Details: A Registered Nurse with a Graduate Diploma in Community Health, she has held senior roles in both public and private health, including as Director of Nursing at St John of God Berwick Hospital (2014 – 2019), CEO of St John of God Accord (2019 – 2023) as well as Group Director of Community Services (2021 – 2022), where she oversaw major organisational and service transformations.

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Name: Honni Pitt Position: CEO of St. Giles Form of Address: Honni Pitt

Professional career: Honni joined St.Giles in October 2020 as CFO, and was elevated to the role of CEO in April 2023. Prior to joining St.Giles Honni held numerous strategic financial roles during her two-decade career in the private sector, working with nationally recognised organisations such as Deloitte and Bank of Us. As a Chartered Accountant and former Treasurer (Bank of Us), External Auditor, and Board Director, Honni is adept at identifying risks and opportunities for St.Giles and fellow disability sector Not-For-Profits during a time of transition within the NDIS.

Personal Details: Honni’s extensive experience in the finance sector is coupled with her personal experience and understanding of the disability sector. The unique pairing of these skillsets informs Honni’s vision to secure ongoing financial sustainability for St.Giles, whilst not sacrificing the compassionate, person-led values the organisation has prided itself on since 1937.

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Name: Damian Bell Position: CEO of Vertaview Form of Address: Damian Bell

Professional career: Damian Bell is the Group CEO of Vertaview Group, leading a portfolio of purpose‑driven organisations to deliver improved quality of life and strengthened community outcomes. With more than 20 years of global leadership experience and a background spanning services, infrastructure, finance and law, he is recognised for driving strategic growth, organisational transformation and high‑performing teams.

Personal Details: Damian’s values‑led approach and long‑standing commitment to social impact continue to guide Vertaview’s mission to amplify enduring positive change.

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Name: Terry Symonds Position: CEO of Yooralla Form of Address: Terry Symonds

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ATTACHMENT 2.4

From: redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agency <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agency health.gov.au> Sent: 25/03/2026 10:20:58 AM To: “MINISTERIAL” <redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agency@ndis.gov.au> Cc: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agency health.gov.au> Subject: Meeting brief: Meet (Joint) | Alliance 20 & Ability First w/ Min. Butler, Blair Comley, & Graham Head [SEC=OFFICIAL] Attachments: ALLIANCE20 priorities 11 March 2026 mtg Minister McAllister.docx Categories: Ian

OFFICIAL

Hi team

Meeting brief please for Minister McAllister, CCing Minister Butler. Due in the MO by 10:00am Tuesday 7 April 2026 please.

Subject: Meet (Joint) | Alliance 20 & Ability First w/ Min. Butler, Blair Comley, & Graham Head Location: APH, 1R2 Date: Monday 13 April 2026. Timing: 1pm-2pm.

To support briefing, please see attached Alliance 20’s priorities from their last meeting with MO McAllister on 11 March 2026, if talking points can be included on these issues please. DLOs will provide updated priorities if they are provided by the stakeholders prior to the brief’s due date.

We understand Minister Butler’s office are still confirming Minister Butler’s attendance on 13 April / if a meeting brief will be tasked to DHDA from his office separately.

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F - personal privacy [He/Him] Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme T: redacted: s47F - personal privacy | M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agencyhealth.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agencyprotected.health.gov.au Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

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BREIF REQUIRED

Brief #	#
TPs not required
Lead Advisor	LH & RMR
Teams link owner	APH or Health
Priorities
Reasonable adjustments
Attendees
POC	Martin Laverty

Hi Martin,

Apologies for the delay.

I have spoken to Minister McAllister office and unfortunately Monday 2 March won’t work for Minister Butler and Minister McAllister.

Parliament Sitting days in general are difficult to find time with both Minister’s and would propose a non-sitting day.

Monday 16 March or Monday 13 April could possibly work. Jasemine and Liz – looping you both in, let me know if there are any issues with these dates.

Kind regards

redacted: s47F - personal privacy Executive Assistant to the Minister

Office of the Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the NDIS P: 02 6277 7220 | M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy | E: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @health.gov.au Ministieral Suite: MG.51 Parliament House, ACT 2600

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From: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 3:07 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy (@Health.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy - EA <Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@aruma.com.au>; Natasha Fyles natasha.fyles@somerville.org.au Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

G’day againredacted: s47F - personal privacy

Thanks for following up. I’ve just checked in with Natasha. There are two separate meeting requests for two different audiences:

The 10-11 March request is for the A20 Chief Executive group of about 30. Please prioritise this meeting request for scheduling that sitting week, aware the group can come to a Committee room in APH.
The separate meeting request for Board Chairs of NDIS members of A20, Ability First Australia and National Disability Services is a follow up to their July 30 2025 meeting with Minister Butler, McAllister and Secretary Comley. Hoping for the two Ministers, Secretary and NDIA CEO to all attend along with the 20 or so Board Chairs, we have flexibility on time and location (with the group willing to travel). Ideally, this meeting can be scheduled before Easter.

Regards

Martin

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 9:19 AM To: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy <Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@aruma.com.au>; Natasha Fyles natasha.fyles@somerville.org.au Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

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It was lovely to meet you yesterday.

So where on the same page, just looping in Nastasha Fyles as I’ve also received an email that the Alliance20 CEOs will be in Canberra on the 10-11 March.

Minister’s availability on Monday 2 March is quite limited but could try and find time if its preferred on this date or 10-11 March?

Kind regards

redacted: s47F - personal privacy Executive Assistant to the Minister

Office of the Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the NDIS P: 02 6277 7220 | M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy | E: redacted: s47F - personal privacy health.gov.au Ministieral Suite: MG.51 Parliament House, ACT 2600

OFFICIAL

From: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Sent: Monday, 9 February 2026 5:28 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy - EA <Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@aruma.com.au> Subject: FW: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Good evening redacted: s47F - personal privacy

I was pleased to bump into you today on my way in to talk shop with your Minister. I’ve attached the meeting request for the group of Board Chairs drawn from A20 and Ability First Australia to meet with your Minister, Minister McAllister, Secretary Comley and NDIA CEO Graeme Head on the afternoon or evening of Monday 2 March in APH. I’ll look forward to hearing as to if this time is doable.

Regards

Dr Martin Laverty Chief Executive Officer

Page 89 of 149

Executive Assistant: Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy Email: Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@aruma.com.au Phone: redacted: s47F - personal privacy

From: Martin Laverty Sent: Monday, 1 December 2025 3:06 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Thanks for getting back and thank you for waitlisting our meeting request. The group of Board Chairs have committed to being on standby to travel to any capital city or meet by video on short notice. I’l look forward to hearing from you. redacted: s47F - personal privacy finds me.

Regards

Martin

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Sent: Monday, 1 December 2025 9:43 AM To: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Hi Martin

Sorry for the delay — I was hoping to piggy back this meeting onto another NDIS provider, but that meeting has been bumped till next year. Sorry I don’t think I’ll be able to organise — the diary is very full. I’ve cc’d redacted: s47F - personal privacy who looks after the Minister’s diary to put you on a waitlist.

redacted: s47F - personal privacy

From: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 5:38 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Subject: Re: person meeting PRE tical sos

OFFICIAL

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REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.

Afternoon redacted: s47F - personal

I’ll check in with you Monday morning to ascertain if an in person or video meeting of a delegation of NDIS provider Board Chairs and Ministers can be scheduled in coming days.

Regards

Martin

On 19 Nov 2025, at 5:14 pm, Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au wrote:

Terrific redacted: s47F - Personal thanks so much.

Form attached, together with the 1 October MEYFO submission and most recent correspondence of 13 November.

I’ll be back in touch with Monday’s plan for publication of the FY25 benchmark results.

Regards

Dr Martin Laverty Chief Executive Officer

Executive Assistant: Kathy redacted: s47F - personal priv Email: Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacyaruma.com.au Phone: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy

OFFICIAL

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Sent: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 4:16 PM To: Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Subject: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

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[External Email] This email was sent from outside the organisation – be cautious, particularly with links and attachments.

I might be able to organise a meeting with the Minister – but can you please send me a couple of points re attendees and purpose – just so the diary manager can put something to Minister Butler.

I’ve attached our usual meeting from doc – which includes some irrelevant fields for this sort of meeting, but just easier for me to send the form as a whole.

redacted: s47F- pers

redacted: s47F - personal privacy

Office of the Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the NDIS M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy | E: redacted: s47F - personal privacy@health.gov.au

“Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all copies of this transmission.”

aruma.com.au

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OFFICIAL ATTACHMENT 2.5

FOR BACKGROUND

Feedback from Alliance 20 as part of the Annual Pricing Review Consultation

redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
- Note: NDIA has committed to exploring more differentiated pricing approaches as part of this APR, and in the Therapy Pricing Review (2026-27).
redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
- Note: NDIA has committed to reviewing the DSW Cost Model in Year 2 of the Three-Year Pricing Workplan (2026-27).
redacted: s47G - Buisness Information

Feedback from Ability First as part of the Annual Pricing Review Consultation

redacted: s47G - Buisness Information

SIL market statistics:

Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports participants with higher support needs to live as independently as possible. SIL helps with daily tasks, such as personal care, cooking, and household management. It is often delivered in shared living arrangements, with support 7 days per week.
Data from Q2 2025-26 claims indicate:
- 3,610 registered SIL providers supporting 34,400 participants (96% of participants accessing SIL support).
- 3,422 unregistered SIL providers supporting 2,156 participants (6% of participants accessing SIL support).
The Quality Supports Program SIL Pilot, in addition to other work underway with the SIL sector, will provide a credible response to industry financial viability concerns and provide the most streamlined approach to addressing market challenges and ensuring those providers that are critical to the Scheme’s success remain in the market.

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OFFICIAL

Artificial Intelligence

The CEO of Sunnyfield is scheduled to attend.
Sunnyfield has recently deployed an AI-based policy support tool to their frontline DSWs to provide immediate access to policy and safety guidance during care delivery.
Media article: https://cfotech.com.au/story/sunnyfield-rolls-out-ai-policy-tool-for-care-staff
Sunnyfield is not participating in the SIL Pilot. redacted: s47G - Buisness Information

TALKING POINTS

Annual Pricing Review

This year’s Annual Pricing Review (APR) focusses on five support categories:
- Disability Support Worker (DSW) Supports
- Therapy Supports
- Support Coordination
- Plan Management
- Social, Community and Civic Participation (SCCP)
An extensive consultation process provided participants, providers and stakeholders with the opportunity to engage meaningfully on the proposed direction in pricing reform and help shape the NDIA’s approach.
This year the NDIA strengthened the evidence base used for benchmarking therapy supports, including analysis of more than 16 million therapy transactions across multiple funding systems.
This year the Agency also consulted with States and Territories to develop modifications to the provisions in the pricing rules to support thin markets in regional Australia.
The APR is expected to be publicly released by 30 April 2026.

Consultation

Consultation for the 2025-26 APR was open from 27 November 2025 to 8 February 2026. Consultation was run through the Agency’s dedicated engagement and consultation platform, NDIS Engage and included Participant Focus Groups.

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OFFICIAL

Stakeholders engaged well with the structured approach. The Agency received 3,220 responses: 2,519 provider responses; 557 participant survey responses; and 141 uploaded written submissions. In comparison, during consultation for the 2023-24 APR the Agency received 350 provider and 550 participant responses.
Other engagements included Disability Senior Officials Group (DSOG), provider and participant peaks, and Commonwealth departments and agencies, including the Commonwealth’s Chief Allied Health Officer.
The consultation documentation stated that the Agency was considering price differentiation in the Social, Community and Civic Participation market.

General themes from consultations:

Pricing should reflect participant complexity and provider capabilities:
- Stakeholders broadly supported pricing that would better reflect differences in complexity, provider capability and risk, while emphasising the need for clear definitions, consistent application and auditability.
Price settings influence behaviour and market structure:
- Price limits shape billing practices, travel decisions and supply of services.
Registration is not seen as an adequate proxy for quality.
- Participants and providers value competence, supervision and experience more than on registration status alone.
Quality is viewed as multidimensional.
- Stakeholders described quality as encompassing competence, supervision, continuity, behavioural capability and participant fit.

Price differentiation:

As part of its Three-Year Pricing Workplan, the NDIA in 2026-27 will complete a Therapy Pricing Review to assess whether existing therapy pricing arrangements, including the NDIA’s current benchmarking approach remains fit-for-purpose.
As part of this review, the NDIA will explore differentiated approaches to pricing and market stewardship to better reflect participant needs across the NDIS and protect long term quality provider viability.
This represents a shift from a more agnostic data driven approach, to one which seeks to better steward markets to improve services over the long term.

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Differentiated pricing is not new to the Scheme. Existing arrangements differentiate based on geography, time of day and supports with higher intensity, complexity or regulatory requirements.
The NDIA will draw on data from the Quality Supports Program (QSP) pilots to investigate whether differentiated pricing approaches could better recognise the diverse service offerings and cost structures across the disability support market, while maintaining participant choice and control.
As part of its work program, registration and assurance arrangements will be explored, in recognition of the compliance and quality investments required of quality providers.
Ways to improve billing transparency to support participant understanding of charges and support arrangements will also be explored.

Quality Supports Program Pilots (SIL and Therapy Supports)

The Quality Supports Program is part of the NDIA’s commitment to strengthen NDIS pricing approaches to help ensure that NDIS participants can access quality services that deliver value for money.
The Quality Supports Pilots (the pilot) have been established to provide essential foundational data, insights, and evidence to identify the features of quality service provision, understand the costs associated with delivering quality supports, and assess the relationship between service characteristics and participant outcomes.
Findings will be considered alongside broader evidence, including the 2025-26 APR submissions, administrative and utilisation data, external benchmarks, and targeted engagement to inform future pricing reviews as part of the NDIA’s Three-Year Pricing Workplan.
The Quality Supports Program includes three targeted 12-month pilots across different support types. The Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Support Coordination Pilots commenced August 2025, and the Therapy Supports Pilot commenced March 2026.
NDIS registered providers participating in the pilots were selected following closed (by invitation only) competitive and non-competitive grant approaches.
The SIL Pilot is working with forty-four NDIS-registered providers, and the Therapy Pilot is working with twenty-seven NDIS-registered therapy providers.
Total grant funding of $45M across the three pilots supports participating providers to work collaboratively with the NDIA to complete quarterly deliverables which includes detailed financial reports; questionnaires; case studies; engagement sessions; provider interviews; and participant engagement activities.

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OFFICIAL

The eligibility criteria to participate in the pilot was comprehensive, with precise thresholds. This is to ensure the program is focused on gaining critical insights into pricing for medium to large providers.
Providers participating in the pilots are listed on the NDIS Quality Supports Program webpage.

Three Year Pricing Workplan

In December 2025, the NDIA released a three-year workplan to improve NDIS pricing and ensure it continues to support sustainable, high-quality services and value for NDIS participants.
The workplan was developed in collaboration with the NQSC and the DHDA to ensure alignment with market stewardship objectives and reforms across the support economy.
The NDIA consulted on the workplan including Commonwealth departments, states and territories, peaks bodies, providers and advisory groups.
This approach balances the need to address emerging market pressures with measured, data-driven decision-making that considers system-wide impacts.

Thriving Kids

Thriving Kids will commence rollout of state-based services from 1 October 2026 and is expected to be at scale by 1 January 2028.
Governments have agreed that states and territories will deliver general parenting supports, local information, advice and navigation, and targeted allied health supports under Thriving Kids. The Australian Government is responsible for national measures that will enable the program to operate effectively, including information and awareness activities, online and phone advice (including wayfinding assistance), workforce initiatives, and program evaluation.
There is no immediate impact to how the NDIS operates.
The Australian Government and all state and territory governments have agreed in principle to change NDIS access arrangements to support the rollout of Thriving Kids.
NDIS access changes will commence from 1 January 2028, when Thriving Kids is fully rolled out.
Children enrolled in the NDIS prior to 1 January 2028 who are aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs will continue to be supported through the NDIS, subject to existing NDIS arrangements.
Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be eligible for the NDIS, subject to usual NDIS arrangements.

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OFFICIAL

Governments are working together to align future NDIS access changes with the rollout of Thriving Kids, to ensure children and their families, carers and kin are supported to access services that best meet their needs.
The Agency is working closely with the DHDA, states and territories on the intersections between Thriving Kids and the NDIS pathway to ensure a smooth transition and interface between Thriving Kids and the Scheme.

Tiered Registration – Support for SIL and Platform Providers.

Data from the NDIS Commission for Q1 FY 2025–26 shows that 7,094 providers claimed SIL services during that period.
Of these providers, 3,377 or 48 percent were registered, while 3,717 or 52 percent were unregistered. Although over half of the providers were unregistered, registered providers were responsible for supporting 93 percent of participants receiving SIL supports.
The Commission has set 1 July 2026 as the start date for the transition to mandatory registration.
Unregistered SIL providers and platform providers do not need to be fully registered by this date, however they will need to take action towards registration during the transition period to remain in the NDIS market to deliver these services and supports.
This transition period will allow providers the time needed to prepare and complete the steps to remain in the NDIS market.
The NDIA is working very closely with the NDIS Commission to support this change. The joint efforts focus on managing implementation risks and maintaining market stability.

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ATTACHMENT 2.6

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Jade” Sent: 27/03/2026 10:22:51 AM To: redacted: s47F - persona “Kayla” <Kayla.redacted: s47F - person @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - pe “Anisa Bashir” <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - p @ndis.gov.au> Subject: Request for TP’s on AI and NFP - MB26-000075 Meeting Brief - Alliance20 & Ability First Australia

Hi Kayla,

Thanks for your time yesterday to talk about TP’s for New Framework Planning and Artificial Intelligence. As discussed, the PDMS number is MB26-000075 and I’ve given you access to look over the information.

I’d be grateful if BM cleared TP’s could be returned by COB 31 March.

Thanks Again

Kind regards,

Jade redacted: s47F - personal privacy Acting Assistant Director Provider Escalations & Coordination Providers Branch National Disability Insurance Agency

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Page 99 of 149

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Jade” Sent: 26/03/2026 12:22:26 PM To: “media” media@ndis.gov.au Cc: redacted: s47F - persona “Helen” <Helen.redacted: s47F - personal priv @ndis.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - pe “Anisa Bashir” <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: Seeking media scan for Alliance20 and Ability First members - EC26-000971 and MB26-000075 Attachments: Media Scan - Aruma.pdf, Media Scan - Endeavour Foundation.pdf, Media Summary - Life Without Barriers.pdf, Member List for Alliance 20 and Ability First Aus.docx

Hi Team

We have received a request from the Minister’s office seeking provider background information on the following organisations.

Can we please request a 12-month media scan for the organisations and their CEO’s, highlighting any sensitivities or issues.

I have put the details of the organisations in a table, see attached.

Noting I have previous checks attached that were completed for Aruma, Endeavour and Life Without Barriers in December 2025 and would just need a check for between now and December for these 3.

Hopefully that will make things a little easier.

Apologies, I understand this is a large task to undertake.

Can I please request this be returned by COB 31 March..

Thanks

Kind regards,

Jade redacted: s47F - personal privacy Provider Escalations & Coordination Providers Branch National Disability Insurance Agency

Delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency

Page 100 of 149

Page 101 of 149

ATTACHMENT 2.7

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Jade” Sent: 26/03/2026 1:39:11 PM To: redacted: s47F - persona “Samantha” <Samantha.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - persona “Helen” <Helen.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - pe “Anisa Bashir” <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: RE: Seeking integrity check for Alliance20 and Ability First members - EC26-000971 and MB26-000075 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Hi Sam,

The meeting is on the 13 April, and the record is due back to the Ministers Office by 7 April. Thank you, we appreciate all the work FFT put into these requests.

Kind regards,

Jade redacted: s47F - personal privacy Acting Assistant Director Provider Escalations & Coordination Providers Branch National Disability Insurance Agency

Delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency

From: Samantha <Samantha.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2026 1:34 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Jade <Jade.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - persona Helen <Helen.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - pe Anisa Bashir <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: RE: Seeking integrity check for Alliance20 and Ability First members - EC26-000971 and MB26-000075 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Hi Jade,

Confirming that I have tasked this out however, the team has received an increasing amount of these requests in recent weeks.

Page 102 of 149

May you please advise the date of meeting with the MO as this turn around may be too tight to review 34 providers.

Kind regards,

Samantha redacted: s47F - personal privacy (she / her) Divisional Support Officer to Richard Honey General Manager, Fraud Fusion Taskforce and Integrity Capability National Disability Insurance Agency

M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy T: redacted: s47F - personal privacy E: Samantha.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Jade <Jade.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2026 12:23 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Samantha <Samantha.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - persona Helen <Helen.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - pe Anisa Bashir <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: Seeking integrity check for Alliance20 and Ability First members - EC26-000971 and MB26-000075 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Hi Sam,

We have received a request from the Minister’s office seeking provider background information on the following organisations.

Can we please have a ‘traffic light’ integrity check on the providers in the table attached above.

Page 103 of 149

Noting I have previous checks attached that were completed for Aruma and Endeavour in December 2025 and would just need confirmation status is still the same. Hopefully that will make things a little easier. Apologies, I understand this is a large task to undertake.

I’d be grateful if you can you please have this returned by COB 31 March.

Thanks

Kind regards

Jade redacted: s47F - personal privacy Provider Escalations & Coordination Providers Branch National Disability Insurance Agency

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ATTACHMENT 2.8

From: “Flynn, Kirsten” Sent: 27/03/2026 6:09:14 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Melissa” <Melissa.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Rebecca” <Rebecca.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; “Wilton, Paula” Paula.Wilton@ndis.gov.au; redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Scott” <Scott.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: RE: For review by CoB Monday: Talking Points for Minister meeting with Alliance20 & Ability First [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Thanks Mel I’ve actioned in track changes. Happy to discuss on Monday. Kirsten

Kirsten Flynn Branch Manager Market Projects Branch, Markets Division Partners, Providers and Home & Living Group National Disability Insurance Agency

E Kirsten.Flynn@ndis.gov.au M redacted: s47F - personal privacy

Delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency

From: Melissa <Melissa.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Sent: Friday, 27 March 2026 1:58 PM To: Wilton, Paula Paula.Wilton@ndis.gov.au; redacted: s47F - personal privacy Scott <Scott.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; Flynn, Kirsten Kirsten.Flynn@ndis.gov.au Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Rebecca <Rebecca.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: For review by CoB Monday: Talking Points for Minister meeting with Alliance20 & Ability First [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Importance: High

Hi Paula, Scott and Kirsten

The Minister will be meeting with Ability First and Alliance20 in early April. I have been asked to contribute talking points regarding pricing. I have used points which we have prepared for recent CEO meetings.

For review by CoB Monday: March 2026 - Alliance20 and Ability First MO Meeting - Talking Points Attachment.docx

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I’ve also attached to this email the initial request. It is MB26-000075 in PDMS.

redacted: s47F - personal privacy Scott I’ve also added in info from their submissions, which are located here:

Alliance20 submission.docx / Final Ability First Australia Annual Pricing Review Submission February 2026 .docx

Thanks Mel

Melissa redacted: s47F - personal privacy She/her Director Projects, Markets Delivery Partners, Providers, Home and Living National Disability Insurance Agency

M redacted: s47F - personal privacy E melissa.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au Working on Wadawurrung Country

Please note: I finish at 3pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency

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redacted: s47C - deliberative processes

ATTACHMENT 2.9

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redacted: s47C - deliberative processes

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Biography/Biographies

Name: Position: e.g. CEO, Senator, Chancellor Form of Address: e.g. Minister, Your Excellency

Tip: To change image of Interlocutor

Right click select Change Picture Select picture from file. Then delete this box

Professional career:

Personal Details: (if known)

Previous Contact:

Include information on any and all previous contact. Provide updates on progress on any commitments made during previous meetings.

e.g. You last met X in New York during the Y. You agreed to explore options for increasing cooperation on A, which is under consideration in committee B.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

EVENT DETAILS

Field	Details
Name of Event	PDR Subject
Date of Event	[Time Day Month Year]
Minister arrives	[Time]
Minister departs	[Time]
Address	[Street Number, Street Name, Suburb and Postcode]
Has the Minister met with this organisation/person in the past	Yes / No (choose one, delete the other and the slash) If yes, provide details, including previous meetings with all portfolio Ministers.
Arrival details	Location of arrival: To be met by: Drop off Location: Parking Location: Is parking for Comcar available: Yes / No (choose one, delete the other and the slash)
Minister’s role	Provide details of the role of the Minister e.g. Launch, deliver speech, etc.
Met by	The Minister will be met by [Position and name of person who will accompany the Minister, mobile number, in the XX foyer/at the XX entrance]. Identify the person who will accompany the Minister during the event] Telephone no. Mobile no.
Attendees	Host: Title, name, role Telephone: Other key VIPs: Title, name, role as appropriate
NDIA staff accompanying the Minister	[Name, role, phone number]
Dress code/Setup	The dress code will be: [Business suit/cocktail/lounge suit/black tie] i.e. whether the Minister is to make an address from a lectern or not; audio; standing/seated; cocktail function etc.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Run sheet:

Example:

10.15am: The Minister arrives.
- Met by My John Smith
- Meet and greet with approx. 4 or 5 individuals who are working at desks.
10.25am: Mr Smith introduces the Minister and invites him to address the gathering.
10.27am: The Minister addresses the gathering (3 minutes).
10.30am: Doorstop briefing (private room).
10.35am: Doorstop Interview
10.45am: The Minister departs

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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ATTACHMENT 2.10

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy “Jade” Sent: 1/04/2026 8:54:46 AM To: redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - persona “Helen” <Helen.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - pe “Anisa Bashir” <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: RE: Seeking contribution for meeting with Alliance20 and Ability First members - EC26-000971 and MB26-000075

Good morning TAPIB,

Just checking in to get an update on the below request, noting it was due yesterday. Please note I am on leave as of COB today, any response will need to include Helen redacted: s47F - personal privacy and Anisa Bashir redacted: s47F - personal privacy for them to action while I am on leave.

Thank you

Kind regards,

Jade redacted: s47F - personal privacy Provider Escalations & Coordination Providers Branch National Disability Insurance Agency

Delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency

From: Jade Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2026 11:53 AM To: redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies @ndis.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - persona Helen <Helen.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - pe Anisa Bashir <AnisaBashir.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @ndis.gov.au> Subject: Seeking contribution for meeting with Alliance20 and Ability First members - EC26-000971 and MB26-000075

Good morning TAPIB,

Page 112 of 149

Seeking talking points from TAPIB to support the Minister at a meeting with Alliance20 and Ability First Australia.

The CEO and Minister are meeting with Alliance20 and Ability First Australia together to discuss the following topics:

New Planning Framework and process for Participants with Complex Care Needs
High Intensity Supports for People with Complex Care needs including behavioural and disability related medical needs
Access for People with a Psychosocial Disability
Foundational Supports including Thriving Kids
Artificial Intelligence

Can I please request TP’s from TAPIB to address the topics relevant to TAPIB, noting I will send a request to CSS for TP’s on Foundational supports and Thriving Kids.

I’d be grateful if these could be returned to me by COB 31 March.

Happy to discuss.

Kind regards,

Jade redacted: s47F - personal privacy Acting Assistant Director Provider Escalations & Coordination Providers Branch National Disability Insurance Agency

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OFFICIAL

McAllister Ministerial Meeting Brief MB26-000075 Date sent to MO: 7 April 2026

To: Minister Butler and Minister McAllister

Subject: Joint meeting with Alliance 20 & Ability First with Min. Butler, Blair Comley and Graham Head

Minister Comments:

Date/Time: 13 April 2026, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Meeting type/location of Event: Physical — 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra Traditional custodians: Ngunnawal (nunn-a-wol)

Desired outcomes:

To learn about key priorities of mutual importance to Alliance20, Ability First Australia and their members.

Key attendees/speakers	Title	Organisation	Contact number
Dr Martin Laverty	CEO	Aruma	`redacted: s47F - personal privacy`
Mr Blair Comley PSM	Secretary	DHDA	Unknown
Mr Graeme Head AO	CEO	NDIA	Unknown
Mr Ross Schafer	First Assistant Secretary	DHDA	Unknown

Purpose of Event:

You have been invited to a joint meeting with Minister Butler, Blair Comley, Secretary Department Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA), Graeme Head, CEO National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and members of Alliance20 (A20) and Ability First Australia (AFA) to discuss matters of strategic importance to A20 and AFA.

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OFFICIAL

On 7 April 2026, Mr Laverty provided a brief outlining the purpose of the meeting, agenda items and attendees. This is available at Attachment B.

Media considerations:

A20, AFA and its members have engaged extensively with media outlets in 2025 — 2026 on various matters. A summary of media publications can be found at Attachment C.

Sensitivities:

Annual Pricing Review (APR)

Feedback has been received from A20 and AFA as part of the Annual Pricing Review Consultation: This feedback:
- redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
- redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
- redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
- redacted: s47G - Buisness Information

Supported Independent Living

Andrew Rowley (AFA) and Martin Laverty (A20) met with redacted: s47F - personal privacy and Laura redacted: s47F - personal privacy from Minister Butler’s and McAllister’s office on 23 March ahead of the scheduled meeting 13 April. It is anticipated that they will raise a temporary viability supplement ahead of possible Supported Independent Living (SIL) commissioning and price reform.
SIL supports participants with higher support needs to live as independently as possible. SIL helps with daily tasks, such as personal care, cooking, and household management. It is often delivered in shared living arrangements, with support 7 days/week.
Data from Q2 25-26 claiming indicate there are:
- 3,610 registered SIL providers supporting 34,400 participants accessing SIL support
- 3,422 unregistered SIL providers supporting 2,156 participants accessing SIL support.
The Quality Supports Program SIL Pilot, in addition to other work underway with the SIL sector, will provide a credible response to industry financial viability concerns and provide the most streamlined approach to addressing market challenges and ensuring those providers that are critical to the Scheme’s success remain in the market.

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Financial Impacts:

redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
redacted: s47G - Buisness Information
redacted: s47G - business affairs

Regulatory Implications: N/A External Consultation: N/A

Attachments:

A: Talking Points
B: Meeting purpose, agenda and attendees
C: Media Scan
redacted: s47G - business affairs
E: Attendee Profiles

Background:

A20 and AFA are both alliances that have formed to represent the interests of leading disability service providers with member organisations in all states and territories.
Dr Martin Laverty, CEO, Aruma and A20 representative invited you to meet with members of A20 and AFA to discuss key priorities of mutual importance to both alliances.
Key priorities for discussion as outlined by Dr Laverty include:
- New Framework Planning and process for participants with complex care needs
- High Intensity Supports for people with complex care needs including behavioural and disability related medical needs
- Access for people with a psychosocial disability
- Annual Price Review
- Tiered registration — support for SIL and platform providers. AFA and A20 have concerns regarding unregistered providers
- Differential pricing and planning - difference between registered providers, unregistered businesses and sole traders
- Home and living innovation
- Foundational supports including Thriving Kids
- Artificial intelligence

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AFA through its subsidiary, Ability Roundtable (The Roundtable), hosts several benchmarking activities across different service types, including disability support, allied health, and shared independent living. The Roundtable collects, analyses, and publishes comparative information to help improve operational practice.
On 12 March 2026, Graeme Head met with A20 member, Mind Australia (EC26-000376).
On 10 March 2026, Minister Butler met with A20 to discuss NDIS reforms (MB26-000398).
The NDIA hosts a regular quarterly CEO Provider Roundtable event which members of A20 and AFA attend. The last CEO Provider Roundtable was held on 3 March 2026
A20 and AFA are both members of the Industry Chief Executive (ICE) Forum. A20 and AFA’s representatives for the ICE Forum are Leanne Fretten, CEO, Sylvanvale and Andrew Rowley, CEO, AFA
The last ICE meeting was held 19 February 2026. The next ICE meeting is scheduled for 21 May 2026
Minister McAllister met with AFA representatives on 29 July 2025 (MB25-000250), and 3 September 2025 (MB25-000312)
Minister Butler met with A20 member on 26 September, Minda (MB25-000330)
Minister McAllister met with A20 representatives on 30 July 2025 (MB25-000247)
The NDIA met A20 member, Ros Blakley, CEO, Possability, A20 member on 28 March 2025 (EC25-000740).
Minister McAllister met with A20 member, Life Without Barriers on 20 May 2025
The NDIA met with Chris Chippendale, Executive Lead Disability Engagement, Life Without Barriers on behalf of A20 on 26 May 2025 (EC25-001352)
On 13 February 2025, the NDIA attended a virtual meeting with A20 members
On 4 April 2025, A20 wrote to Hon Amanda Rishworth regarding provider financial viability concerns and requested a meeting
Ongoing engagements are held between Dr Laverty and Penelope McKay, Deputy CEO Partners Providers & Home & Living Division NDIA
Ongoing engagements are held between Brad Swan, Executive Lead Disability Engagement, Life Without Barriers and Miriam Slattery, General Manager, Partners and Providers Division.

PDMS Distribution CC List: Minister Butler DLO, Ministerial Branch Manager, Ministerial Director, Alex redacted: s47F - personal privacy DSO Partners and Providers Division, Scott Fitzpatrick, A/g GM Partners and Providers Division, Stephen Broadfoot, BM Providers Branch.

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ATTACHMENT 2.11

From: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d) - Certain health.gov.au> Sent: 25/03/2026 10:20:58 AM To: “MINISTERIAL” <redacted: s47E(d) - certain operations of age @ndis.gov.au> Cc: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d) - Certain health.gov.au> Subject: Meeting brief: Meet (Joint) | Alliance 20 & Ability First w/ Min. Butler, Blair Comley, & Graham Head [SEC=OFFICIAL] Attachments: ALLIANCE20 priorities 11 March 2026 mtg Minister McAllister.docx Categories: Ian

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Hi team

Meeting brief please for Minister McAllister, CCing Minister Butler. Due in the MO by 10:00am Tuesday 7 April 2026 please.

Subject: Meet (Joint) | Alliance 20 & Ability First w/ Min. Butler, Blair Comley, & Graham Head Location: APH, 1R2 Date: Monday 13 April 2026. Timing: 1pm-2pm.

We understand Minister Butler’s office are still confirming Minister Butler’s attendance on 13 April / if a meeting brief will be tasked to DHDA from his office separately.

Kind regards

Lachlan redacted: s47F - personal privacy [He/Him] Departmental Liaison Officer Office of Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme T: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy | M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47F - persona health.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47F - persona protected.health.gov.au Suite L1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

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BRIEF REQUIRED

Brief #	#
TPs not required
Lead Advisor	LH & RMR
Teams link owner	APH or Health
Priorities
Reasonable adjustments
Attendees
POC	Martin Laverty

Hi Martin,

Apologies for the delay.

I have spoken to Minister McAllister office and unfortunately Monday 2 March won’t work for Minister Butler and Minister McAllister.

Parliament Sitting days in general are difficult to find time with both Minister’s and would propose a non-sitting day.

Monday 16 March or Monday 13 April could possibly work. Jasemine and Liz – looping you both in, let me know if there are any issues with these dates.

Kind regards

redacted: s47F - personal privacy Executive Assistant to the Minister

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From: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 3:07 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy - EA <Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aruma.com.au>; Natasha Fyles natasha.fyles@somerville.org.au Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

G’day again redacted: s47F - personal

Thanks for following up. I’ve just checked in with Natasha. There are two separate meeting requests for two different audiences:

The 10-11 March request is for the A20 Chief Executive group of about 30. Please prioritise this meeting request for scheduling that sitting week, aware the group can come to a Committee room in APH.
The separate meeting request for Board Chairs of NDIS members of A20, Ability First Australia and National Disability Services is a follow up to their July 30 2025 meeting with Minister Butler, McAllister and Secretary Comley. Hoping for the two Ministers, Secretary and NDIA CEO to all attend along with the 20 or so Board Chairs, we have flexibility on time and location (with the group willing to travel). Ideally, this meeting can be scheduled before Easter.

Regards

Martin

From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 9:19 AM To: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy - EA <Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aruma.com.au>; Natasha Fyles natasha.fyles@somerville.org.au Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

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It was lovely to meet you yesterday.

So where on the same page, just looping in Natasha Fyles as I’ve also received an email that the Alliance20 CEOs will be in Canberra on the 10-11 March.

Minister’s availability on Monday 2 March is quite limited but could try and find time if its preferred on this date or 10-11 March?

Kind regards

redacted: s47F - personal privacy Executive Assistant to the Minister

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From: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Sent: Monday, 9 February 2026 5:28 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au>; Andrew Rowley andrew.rowley@abilityfirst.org.au; Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy - EA <Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aruma.com.au> Subject: FW: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

redacted: s47F - personal priv

Good evening

Regards

Dr Martin Laverty Chief Executive Officer

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Executive Assistant: Kathy redacted: s47F - personal privacy Email: Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aruma.com.au Phone: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy

Thanks for getting back and thank you for waitlisting our meeting request. The group of Board Chairs have committed to being on standby to travel to any capital city or meet by video on short notice. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. redacted: s47F - personal finds me.

Regards

Martin

To: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Maddi redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Subject: RE: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Hi Martin

Sorry for the delay — I was hoping to piggy back this meeting onto another NDIS provider, but that meeting has been bumped till next year. Sorry I don’t think I’ll be able to organise — the diary is very full. I’ve ccd redacted: s47F - personal privacy who looks after the Minister’s diary to put you on a waitlist.

redacted: s47F - pers

redacted: s47F - personal privacy

From: Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 5:38 PM To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @Health.gov.au> Subject: Re: possible meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]

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REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.

Afternoon redacted: s47F - persona

I’ll check in with you Monday morning to ascertain if an in person or video meeting of a delegation of NDIS provider Board Chairs and Ministers can be scheduled in coming days.

Regards

Martin

On 19 Nov 2025, at 5:14 pm, Martin Laverty Martin.Laverty@aruma.com.au wrote:

Terrific redacted: s47F - Personal thanks so much.

Form attached, together with the 1 October MEYFO submission and most recent correspondence of 13 November.

I’ll be back in touch with Monday’s plan for publication of the FY25 benchmark results.

Regards

Dr Martin Laverty Chief Executive Officer

Executive Assistant: Kathy redacted: s47F - personal priv Email: Kathy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy @aruma.com.au Phone: redacted: s47F-Personal Privacy

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[External Email] This email was sent from outside the organisation – be cautious, particularly with links and attachments.

I might be able to organise a meeting with the Minister – but can you please send me a couple of points re attendees and purpose – just so the diary manager can put something to Minister Butler.

I’ve attached our usual meeting from doc – which includes some irrelevant fields for this sort of meeting, but just easier for me to send the form as a whole.

redacted: s47F - pers

redacted: s47F - personal privacy

Office of the Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the NDIS M: redacted: s47F - personal privacy | E: redacted: s47F - personal privacy @health.gov.au

aruma.com.au

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FOI 25/26 - 2824 DOCUMENT 3

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McAllister Ministerial Meeting Brief MB26-000077 Date sent to MO: 7 April 2026

To: Minister McAllister

Cc: Minister Butler

Subject: Meeting with Unified SDA Coalition (USDAC)

Minister Comments:

Date/Time: Wednesday 15 April at 2:00pm Meeting type/location of Event: Virtual (Teams) Traditional custodians: Gadigal

Desired outcomes:

That the Minister acknowledges Unified Specialist Disability Accommodation Coalition (USDAC) concerns while reinforcing the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) commitment to improving participant outcomes and market sustainability.
The Minister signals willingness to work with jurisdictions and the sector on long term Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) renewal settings, noting actions must be evidenced based and financially responsible.

Key attendees/speakers	Title	Organisation	Contact number
Charles Northcote	Chair	Unified SDA Coalition	Unknown
Geoff Slack	CEO	Your Place Housing	Unknown

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Purpose of Event:

The Minister is meeting with the USDAC to discuss sector concerns regarding ageing and outdated SDA stock and barriers to renewal.
The sector is seeking coordinated national action, including pricing adjustments, policy clarity on eligibility and transitional pathways to facilitate stock renewal and attract investment to the sector.
The meeting provides an opportunity for the Minister to:
- Hear directly from sector leaders on systematic risks associated with legacy SDA stock.
- Acknowledge sector concerns while reinforcing NDIA’s commitment to improving participants outcomes and safeguarding requirements and market sustainability.
- Outline current NDIA reform priorities and work underway in collaboration with state and territories on SDA renewal setting and transitional pathways.
- Signal willingness to coordinated national action through the Disability Reform Ministerial Council (DRMC).

Key Issues:

The ageing SDA stock presents increasing risks, including:
- Reduced safety and compliance, including fire and accessibility standards
- Poor accommodation design impacting disability support delivery
- Financial viability pressures for providers, particularly for shared or legacy models.
This issue has implications for Support Independent Living (SIL) provider viability as older SDA dwellings have higher vacancy rates, making the delivery of SIL supports in accommodations with a vacancy unprofitable.
Certainty about SDA eligibility is required to support transitioned participants to move out of ageing SDA stock. This stock does not meet contemporary SDA standards. As part of the bilateral agreements, transitioned participants who met access requirements for the NDIS were not individually assessed on their home and living needs.
The NDIA has received feedback from the sector that transitional cohort living in enrolled ageing SDA are afraid to seek a home and living assessment in case their SDA is removed, disincentivising transition into contemporary accommodation.

Current work

States and territory’s (S&T) are currently contemplating renewal or repurposing strategies for their SDA stock and are also seeking clarity on transitioned participant SDA eligibility from the Agency. NSW is leading a paper to the DRMC on this issue.
The NDIA is progressing work to better understand and support participants who entered the NDIS through bilateral agreements, including those residing in ageing stock. The work includes considering whether a guarantee should apply, and if so, to which cohort of participants.
While the USDAC is aware of the NDIA is undertaking this work at a high-level, the detail has not yet been shared given it requires discussions with S&Ts’ prior to public announcement.

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While these actions should create more certainty for participants to move out of ageing stock, the Agency acknowledges that it will take some time for Home and Living (H&L) decisions to flow through.
Progress will depend on requests for H&L assessment and the NFP transition strategy. However, communicating the decision publicly will create the certainty required for SDA developers to construct new SDA for this cohort.

Media considerations:

There is significant reputational risk to the NDIA from any change to published guidance that suggests transitional participants’ eligibility for SDA is not assured.
The Coalition’s letter frames the issue of ageing stock renewal and SDA eligibility as urgent national reform; this may attract media attention and stakeholder advocacy.
The NDIA published messaging emphasises:
- Commitment to participant choice and control
- Ongoing SDA market monitoring and pricing reviews
- Collaboration with government and the sector to improve outcomes.

Sensitivities:

redacted: s47B - commonwealth-state relations

Financial Impacts: N/A

Regulatory Implications:

Any material changes to support redevelopment, including pricing adjustments, transition supports or any new investment incentives may require amendments to existing SDA Rules and other legislative instruments. The SDA Pricing review is scheduled to occur every 5 years with the next one due for completion by 1 July 2028.

External Consultation:

The NDIA consulted senior representatives from NSW, SA and Victorian Governments, Peak Bodies (including the CEO of the National Disability Services (NDS) and representatives from the SDA Alliance and USDAC) to understand market barriers to re-development, pricing constraints and transition risks. However, the NDIA did not share a preferred option at the time.
Additional consultation will occur with S&T through the NFP rules process.

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The NDIA will continue to work with DHDA and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to reflect the proposed policy intent in NFP rules including addressing any risks arising from any proposed approach.

Attachments:

A: Letter to The Minister – SDA Housing Renewal

B: Letter re Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock on behalf of Charles Northcote

Background:

The final report on the Independent Review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme recommends changes to home and living supports, including Action 9.8: a strategy for upgrading or repurposing ageing state-owned SDA stock.
Current SDA pricing incorporates a benchmark-based model intended to incentivise new supply, however, this approach has been less effective in driving redevelopment of legacy stock.
As part of the plan for ageing SDA properties, the Commonwealth will need to provide clarity on how the SDA eligibility for participants living in this stock will be assessed and how they will be supported in the transition to the NFP.
The sector has reported uncertainty about eligibility has contributed to wider system pressures, including risks in hospital discharge delays, homelessness and increased demands on health and social services.
The sector reports financial and regulatory barriers to redevelopment, including, insufficient returns on investments under current SDA pricing arrangements and uncertainty regarding long term pricing settings.
The sector also reports that current SDA pricing model provides insufficient signals to attract investment into replacing ageing or institutional style SDA accommodation. The approach undervalues the higher and more variable cost associated with redevelopment of ageing stock (including demolition, site constraints and compliance upgrades).
Current NDIA published guidance has been to continue to provide SDA funding for transitioned participants living in enrolled SDA (including New Build funding) based on S&T bilateral agreements, which included a principle of continuity of support.
Participants living in ‘non-enrolled SDA are currently treated as new to SDA and may be found ineligible, even if they have SDA in their plan.
The USDAC represents a cross-section of providers, investors and peak bodies advocating for:
- Targeted policy settings to unlock redevelopment
- Greater certainty on pricing and returns
- Transitional support and mechanisms.

PDMS Distribution CC List: Minister Butler DLO, Amelia redacted: s47F - personal privacy (EO), Gary redacted: s47F - personal (DSO), Jane Heffernan (Ministerial Branch Manager), Elise redacted: s47F - pers (Ministerial Director).

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FOI 25/26 - 2824 ATTACHMENT 3.1

27 January 2026

The Hon Jenny McAllister Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Suite 501, Level 5 54-66 Wentworth Avenue Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Dear Minister McAllister

Re: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock

I am writing on behalf of the Unified Specialist Disability Accommodation Coalition (USDAC), a collaboration between key disability housing stakeholders, including leading providers, sector peak bodies such as the Australian Community Housing (ACH) and the SDA Alliance (SDAA), and other interested parties.

This joint advocacy effort is being coordinated to address a critical and unresolved NDIS reform issue with immediate and significant system risks, grouped into three areas:

A large proportion of SDA homes remain “legacy” or “basic” stock and are no longer fit for purpose,
Funding settings and eligibility rules are resulting in participants losing SDA funding when seeking to move to improved homes—effectively penalising those who pursue better outcomes, and
These ongoing system failures are transferring rising risk and cost to other systems, increasing the likelihood of homelessness and pressure on acute services.

We seek your leadership and partnership in responding to this challenge, which is now resulting in real downstream implications for governments and communities nationwide.

We have not moved quickly enough to address this issue

This long-standing issue of legacy group and shared accommodation was recognised at the inception of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with a commitment then to provide new and improved homes for impacted participants via SDA.

Ten years on, urgent action is required. The collective ambition of sustaining and developing suitable homes for this vulnerable cohort has not been realised. Many of these homes are still in

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operation and increasingly fall short of contemporary NDIS principles and community expectations. Without reform, many participants will continue to face limited choices and housing that does not support their independence or quality of life.

Our networks have become aware of a significant proportion of transitioned participants losing SDA funding when seeking to relocate to new homes. This creates a scenario where such tenants are locked into inadequate housing and will serve to increase the risk of homelessness and place additional pressure on hospitals, housing, and justice systems.

The ageing condition of much of the stock also presents risks to participants, providers, state governments, and not-for-profits as owners, particularly as this relates to critical matters such as life and fire safety.

Vacancy management and the viability of current homes are also being affected, with some SIL providers operating at a loss due to issues with design, vacancy rates, and scale.

Joint leadership and collective action are needed

Recent sector discussions, including meetings with state representatives and the NDIA in October 2025, and with Federal Minister McAllister in December, have highlighted the benefits of coordinated national action.

We urge Ministers across Australia, relevant government agencies, SDA providers, support providers, and investors to work together to define clear parameters for the future of people living in basic SDA homes.

Political leadership and decisive action are needed. We respectfully request that this matter be prioritised at the Disability Reform Ministerial Council (DRMC). Only through cross-government collaboration and clear direction can we ensure people with disability are not left behind.

A coordinated approach will accelerate renewal, reduce risk, and stimulate non-government capital investment in the sector.

Action is required now

We believe the following sequenced actions are required:

Agreement by governments through the DRMC in early 2026 to honour the commitment made at the inception of the NDIS scheme to transition these participants to more suitable accommodation (Responsibility: DRMC).
Establish a “baseline” pre-approved SDA level—such as a 3-bedroom Improved Liveability standard—for impacted participants in existing basic or legacy stock. There is a precedent for this approach—social services are often “grandfathered” for those affected by policy changes without extending this to others. This would provide certainty for providers and investors to plan new developments that meet participant needs. (Responsibility: NDIA).
Establish a policy by June 2026 for implementation in the 2026/27 budget year that provides clear market signals to support further investment, including institutional capital, into new SDA housing outcomes (Responsibility: DRMC).
Investigate options for State governments to provide additional financial support where needed in thin markets, to support those who do not receive SDA funding, or where SDA is not appropriately calibrated to deliver quality outcomes (Responsibility: States and Territories).

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FOI 25/26 - 2824

NDIA to adjust the NDIS SDA Price Guide to reflect actual housing production costs (Responsibility: NDIA).
Commit to a timetable for the provision of these new homes (Responsibility: DRMC).

There are substantial benefits to this reform

Addressing this issue will not only meet the emerging needs of people with disability but also expand the supply of suitable housing for a vulnerable group. Early action will drive generational change, delivering improved SDA for current and future Australians.

The benefits include:

Participants will access appropriate housing, supporting their personal NDIS goals and reducing costs over time.
Both state and federal governments will realise significant savings on the costs of hospital admissions, emergency services, the justice system and customer support (see Appendix A).
Institutional capital will be unlocked for SDA home development.
State governments will realise a dividend from existing stock, which can be reinvested in social housing.
Modern housing will enable ageing in place and reduce hospital admissions, helping address the current bed blockage issue.
Long-term, new stock will provide participants with greater choice and a sustainable SDA housing marketplace.

Our coalition is committed to working with you and your department to achieve lasting, positive outcomes for people with disability. We would welcome the opportunity for delegates to brief you and your colleagues on the key issues and discuss practical pathways forward.

We appreciate your support and leadership in progressing this vital reform.

Your sincerely,

redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Charles Northcote

Coordination Chair, USDAC
(Chief Executive Officer, BlueCHP Limited)

CC: Hon. Mark Butler, Hon. Kate Washington, Hon. Rose Jackson, Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Hon. Christopher Rath, Hon. Meaghan Scanlon, Hon. Amanda Camm, Hon. Leeanne Enoch, Mrs Rebecca Young, Hon. Harriet Shing, Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn, Hon. Nicholas Champion, Hon. Jacqueline (Michelle) Lensink, Hon. John Carey, Hon. Hannah Beazley, Hon.

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FOI 25/26 - 2824

William (Bill) Yan, Hon. Steven Edgington, Hon. Jinson Charls, Dheran Young, Hon. Joanne Palmer, Hon. Kerry Vincent, Hon. Chris Steel MLA, Hon. Suzanne Orr

USDAC Collaborators:

Jeramy Hope, CEO, Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance (SDAA)
Alexandra Raphael, Director Policy and Impact, Australian Community Housing (ACH)
Alecia Rathbone, CEO, Housing Hub.
Geoff Slack, CEO, Your Place Housing and Chair, ACH Disability Community of Practice
Gregg Barry, Founder and Principal Consultant, SDA Services
Paul Harkin, SM Strategic Growth & Partnerships, Northcott
Scott McPhillips, General Manager SDA Growth, Hume Community Housing.

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FOI 25/26 - 2824

Appendix A – Potential Savings

Participants gain access to suitable housing that supports their NDIS goals, promoting independence and choice in a home-like setting rather than a hospital.
When the SDA policy was developed, it was intended that well-designed housing that would increase independence would lead to reduced support costs over time after people settled in. The La Trobe University SDA Impact Measurement project has shown that moving into SDA reduced the support costs of the first cohort studied on average by 2.4 hours per day. This is in addition to increased quality of life and health measures.
- https://homeandlivingoutcomeframework.org.au/results/
- https://assets.summerfoundation.org.au/pdf_offload/2022/04/SDA001-Quantitative_Research-Summary_28-April-2022.pdf
The participant experience is fundamentally improved by living in a stable, long-term home, providing privacy, autonomy, and stronger community connections—benefits not possible in a clinical hospital environment.
Hospital accommodation typically costs over $2,000 per day, while an appropriate SDA bed is less than $200 per day, resulting in potential daily savings of more than $1,800 per participant.
This was confirmed by former NDIS Minister Shorten, who stated “Having people spend unnecessary amounts of time in hospital prevents them from living the lives they want, but also comes at the expense of the public health system, as hospital beds were being filled unnecessarily at a cost of approximately $2,500 a night to the taxpayer.“1
In a Recent Grattan report: “Smarter spending: Getting better care for every hospital dollar”. Page 7: “The typical cost of an admission increased from $5,782 in 2018 to $6,451 in 2023. In every state, the real cost per admission increased.”2
Savings from reduced hospital utilisation accrue to both federal and state governments, given joint funding arrangements for health services.
These estimates do not include the additional support costs associated with providing services in hospitals, which are typically higher than supports delivered in SDA homes by qualified and specialist SIL providers.
Transitions to SDA reduce demand on hospitals, emergency services, and the justice system, creating broader social and economic benefits.
Using the Community Housing Assessment tool, the annual benefit per person is estimated at $13,000; over 40 years, this totals $1.6 million per person. For a cohort of 6,000, long-term savings could reach $9.6 billion.
Unlocking institutional capital for SDA development and reinvesting proceeds from existing assets helps expand the supply of suitable housing for those with disability.

1 https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/17266
2 https://grattan.edu.au/report/smarter-spending-getting-better-care-for-every-hospital-dollar/

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FOI 25/26 - 2824

From: “Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy <Carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au> Sent: 23/03/2026 1:40:07 PM To: “McAllister, Jennifer (Senator)” Senator.McAllister@aph.gov.au Cc: “Minister McAllister” Minister.McAllister@health.gov.au; redacted: s47F- personal privacy Jasmine (Sen J. McAllister)“ <Jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy aph.gov.au> Subject: RE: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock [on behalf of Charles Northcote]

Hi Jasmine,

To keep things simple, there will be one other USDAC attendee, Geoff Slack from Your Place Housing — geoff.slack@yourplacehousing.com.au

Please let me know what additional information you will need for this meeting.

Kind regards

Carolyn” Executive Assistant to the CEO

p 02 4621 8609 m redacted: s47F- personal privacy

e carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au a 13 Iolanthe Street, Campbelltown NSW (PO Box 315X, LEUMEAH NSW)

bluechp.com.au

Disclaimer This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.

BlueCHP Ltd accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email

From:” Jasmine (Sen J. McAllister) On Behalf Of McAllister, Jennifer (Senator) Sent: Monday, 23 March 2026 1:24 PM

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To: Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy Cc: Minister McAllister Minister.McAllister@health.gov.au; redacted: s47F- personal privacy Jasmine (Sen J. McAllister) Subject: Re: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock [on behalf of Charles Northcote]

CAUTION: This email is from outside of the organization. Use caution when dealing with external emails. If the email takes you to a login page asking for your password or asks you to transfer money or requests personal information it may be scam.

Afternoon Carolyn

Can I confirm the other members of the USDAC will also be available at this time?

Kind regards

Jasmine redacted: s47F- personal privacy Program Manager NSW Senator Jenny McAllister | Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme E: jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy aph.gov.au | M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy Invitations: Minister.McAllister@health.gov.au

I acknowledge and pay my respect to the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples throughout Australia, their Elders past and present.

From: Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy <Carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au> Sent: Monday, 23 March 2026 12:42 PM To: McAllister, Jennifer (Senator) Senator.McAllister@aph.gov.au Cc: Minister McAllister minister.mcallister@health.gov.au Subject: RE: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock [on behalf of Charles Northcote]

Hi Jasmine,

I apologise for my delayed reply. Should the times still be available, Mr Northcote would be pleased to meet on any of the following dates.

Tuesday 14th April, at 2.30-3pm, via teams - available
Tuesday 14th April, at 4.30-5pm, via teams - unavailable
Wednesday 15th April, at 2.30-3pm, via teams - preferred

Kind regards

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Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Executive Assistant to the CEO

p 02 4621 8609 m redacted: s47F- personal privacy

e carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au

a 13 Iolanthe Street, Campbelltown NSW (PO Box 315X, LEUMEAH NSW)

bluechp.com.au

BlueCHP Ltd accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email

From: redacted: s47F- personal privacy Jasmine (Sen J. McAllister) <Jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy aph.gov.au> On Behalf Of McAllister, Jennifer (Senator) Sent: Wednesday, 18 March 2026 5:17 PM To: Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy <Carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au> Cc: Minister McAllister minister.mcallister@health.gov.au Subject: Re: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock [on behalf of Charles Northcote]

CAUTION: This email is from outside of the organization. Use caution when dealing with external emails. If the email takes you to a login page asking for your password or asks you to transfer money or requests personal information it may be scam.

Good afternoon Charles & Carolyn

Thank you for your request to meet with Minister Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister.

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The Minister would welcome the opportunity to meet with representatives from Unified Specialist Disability Accommodation Coalition (USDAC). Due to the Minister’s tight schedule in the coming weeks, I have provided meeting option times below:

Tuesday 14th April, at 2.30-3pm, via teams
Tuesday 14th April, at 4.30-5pm, via teams
Wednesday 15th April, at 2.30-3pm, via teams

Thank you in advance for your response confirming the most suitable meeting time.

Kind regards

Jasmine redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Program Manager

NSW Senator Jenny McAllister | Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

E: jasmine.redacted: s47F- personal privacy aph.gov.au | M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Invitations: Minister.McAllister@health.gov.au

From: Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy <Carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au> Sent: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 1:45 PM To: McAllister, Jennifer (Senator) Senator.McAllistxx@xxx.xxx.xx Subject: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock [on behalf of Charles Northcote]

Dear Minister,

I am writing as the coordinating Chair of the Unified Specialist Disability Accommodation Coalition (USDAC) to seek urgent national action to address outdated legacy and basic SDA housing.

As outlined in the attached letter, current settings are locking participants into unsuitable accommodation and increasing risk and costs across health, housing, and justice systems. Coordinated cross-government action is now required to renew this stock and provide certainty for participants and providers.

We respectfully request that this matter be prioritised at the Disability Reform Ministerial Council. USDAC would welcome the opportunity to brief you or your delegates.

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Kind regards,

Charles Northcote

Carolyn redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Executive Assistant to the CEO

On behalf of Charles Northcote

p 02 4621 8609 m redacted: s47F- personal privacy

e carolyn.redacted: s47F- personal privacy bluechp.com.au

a 13 Iolanthe Street, Campbelltown NSW (PO Box 315X, LEUMEAH NSW)

bluechp.com.au

BlueCHP Ltd accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email

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From: “Minister McAllister redacted: s47F- personal privacy <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47F- personal privacy health.gov.au> Sent: 26/03/2026 8:13:59 AM To: “MINISTERIAL” <redacted: s47E(d)-certain operations of age@ndis.gov.au> Cc: “MPS” MPS@health.gov.au; “Minister McAllister redacted: s47F- personal privacy <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47F- personal privacy health.gov.au> Subject: Meeting brief request | USDAC [SEC=OFFICIAL] Attachments: Letter to the Minister - SDA Housing Renewal.pdf, RE: Urgent National Action Required to Renew Outdated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Stock [on behalf of Charles Northcote] Categories: JP

OFFICIAL

Good morning!

Could we please have a meeting brief for the Minister’s meeting with USDAC (Unified SDA Coalition).

Charles Northcote (Chair of USDAC) and Geoff Slack from Your Place Housing will be attending.

The meeting is Wednesday 15 April at 2:30 pm (on teams).

Attached is a letter from USDAC and email from the Chair of USDAC about the subject of the meeting.

Due Wednesday 8 April.

NDIA to lead with input from Dept (CAMS) if required.

Kind regards,

Kate redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon. Jenny McAllister M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy T: (02) 6277 7239 E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47F- personal privacy health.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47F- personal privacy protected.health.gov.au Suite M1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

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Living and working on Ngunnawal/Ngunawal/Ngambri Country

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

OFFICIAL

“Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all copies of this transmission.”

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Biography/Biographies

Name: Charles Northcote
Position: Coordination Chair USDAC, CEO BlueCHP Limited
Form of Address: Mr

Professional career: Charles brings over 35 years of senior executive experience in operational, financial, and strategic leadership across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia–New Zealand. His career spans Community Housing, Chemicals, Engineering, Mining Services, Agribusiness, Building and Construction, Distribution and Logistics, and Merchant Banking. He has successfully led two organisations to achieve global scale, each exceeding one billion dollars in sales.

As Chief Executive Officer of BlueCHP, his organisation is a developer of Specialist Disability Accommodation under the NDIS, with successful expansion across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

Charles serves as Chairman of the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) – NSW and was awarded the 2018 Macarthur Regional Business Award for Outstanding Business Leader. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Association of Corporate Treasurers (UK), holding a BCom (NZ) and MBA (Warwick, UK).

Personal Details:
N/A
Previous Contact:
Unknown

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Name: Geoff Slack
Position: CEO, YourPlace Housing
Form of Address: Mr

Professional career:

With over two decades of experience in the social and affordable housing sector, Geoff’s career commenced in the community housing sector in Victoria. In 2008, he transitioned to the South Australian housing department, where he assumed responsibilities for strategy, policy, and intergovernmental relations. During his tenure with the SA Government, Geoff participated in various national housing policy and program working groups and initiatives.

Prior to joining YourPlace in 2020, Geoff was engaged in the corporate sector, focusing on projects related to housing and community services. Currently, Geoff serves as the Chair of Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) - South Australia and has been a member of the CHIA SA Board since late 2020.

Personal Details:
N/A
Previous Contact:
Unknown

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION	ATTACHMENT 3.2

Talking Points

Introduction:

Thank you for the Coalition’s engagement and ongoing contribution to the SDA market.
Ensuring Australians with disability have access to safe, appropriate and contemporary housing is a key priority of this Government.
Current SDA settings must balance participants outcomes, market sustainability and value for money. We are committed to a sustainable SDA market that supports both participants and providers.

Key Messages:

I recognise concerns raised by the SDA sector regarding ageing stock and barriers to redevelopment.
I understand that current pricing settings may not adequately support redevelopment of legacy stock. We are willing to consider evidence-based options that improve investment signals while maintaining system integrity.
We know that the pricing issue has implications for Support Independent Living (SIL) provider viability as older SDA dwellings have higher vacancy rates, making the delivery of SIL supports in accommodations with a vacancy unprofitable.
The NDIA continues to monitor SDA market performance and pricing settings. Pricing reviews occur periodically with a focus on maintaining market sustainability and improved participant outcomes and avoiding unintended market distortions.
Any proposed action to pricing settings must embed strong safeguarding, ensuring participant safety, continuity of support and informed choice.
The Agency is exploring targeted initiatives to address thin markets and ageing stock, but no comprehensive renewal program is currently in place. We are working with State and Territories, leveraging their housing responsibilities, to investigate solutions for Scheme participants not receiving SDA.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

I recognise that transitional participants including those in ageing stock require particular focus. Clearer pathways and eligibility policy settings will be important to support safe transitions to contemporary housing.
States and territories are currently contemplating renewal or repurposing strategies for their SDA stock and are also seeking clarity on transitioned participant SDA eligibility from the Agency. NSW is leading a paper to the DRMC on this issue.
I have asked the NDIA to progress work to better understand and support participants who entered the NDIS through bilateral agreements, including those residing in ageing stock. This includes:
- Considering and seeking guarantee for a clear policy definition of the SDA eligible transitioned participant cohorts under the New Framework Planning (NFP).
- Considering new policy framework that incorporates a baseline SDA level of funding at 3-bedroom Improved Liveability for subsets of this cohort.
- Working with the Department of Housing, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) to confirm the mechanism for confirming a new policy in old framework planning (OFP). This is also required to address legal concerns regarding the framing of the Agency’s current guidance.
- Coordinating with jurisdictions to improve data and visibility of the transitional participant cohorts and their housing pathways.
We will continue to work with jurisdictions and the sector to manage interface issues and ensure continuity of supports during transitions to more suitable accommodation.

Conclusion:

Any reform will require coordination with States and Territories through the DRMC. We agree that ongoing consultation with the sector, participants and jurisdictions will be critical.
We need to continue to ensure that any proposed action to SDA settings explicitly incorporate safeguarding considerations for participants safety, continuity of supports and informed choice is maintained throughout redevelopment and transition processes.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

I am committed to continued engagement as we work towards a more sustainable SDA market and improved participants outcomes.

Background:

The final report on the Independent Review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme recommends changes to home and living supports, including Action 9.8: a strategy for upgrading or repurposing ageing state-owned SDA stock.
Current SDA pricing incorporates a benchmark-based model intended to incentivise new supply, however, this approach has been less effective in driving redevelopment of legacy stock.
As part of the plan for ageing SDA properties, the Commonwealth will need to provide clarity on how the SDA eligibility for participants living in this stock will be assessed and how they will be supported in the transition to the NFP.
Current NDIA published guidance has been to continue to provide SDA funding for transitioned participants living in enrolled SDA (including New Build funding) based on States and Territories (S&T) bilateral agreements, which included a principle of continuity of support.
Participants living in ‘non-enrolled SDA are currently treated as new to SDA and may be found ineligible, even if they have SDA in their plan.
The USDAC represents a cross-section of providers, investors and peak bodies advocating for:
- Targeted policy settings to unlock redevelopment.
- Greater certainty on pricing and returns.
- Transitional support and mechanisms.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

EVENT DETAILS

Field	Details
Name of Event	PDR Subject
Date of Event	[Time Day Month Year]
Minister arrives	[Time]
Minister departs	[Time]
Address	[Street Number, Street Name, Suburb and Postcode]
Has the Minister met with this organisation/person in the past	Yes / No (choose one, delete the other and the slash) If yes, provide details, including previous meetings with all portfolio Ministers.
Arrival details	Location of arrival: To be met by: Drop off Location: Parking Location: Is parking for Comcar available: Yes / No (choose one, delete the other and the slash)
Minister’s role	Provide details of the role of the Minister e.g. Launch, deliver speech, etc.
Met by	The Minister will be met by [Position and name of person who will accompany the Minister, mobile number, in the XX foyer/at the XX entrance]. Identify the person who will accompany the Minister during the event] Telephone no. Mobile no.
Attendees	Host: Title, name, role Telephone: Other key VIPs: Title, name, role as appropriate
NDIA staff accompanying the Minister	[Name, role, phone number]
Dress code/Setup	The dress code will be: [Business suit/cocktail/lounge suit/black tie] i.e. whether the Minister is to make an address from a lectern or not; audio; standing/seated; cocktail function etc.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Run sheet:

Example:

Time	Activity
10.15am	The Minister arrives. Met by My John Smith Meet and greet with approx. 4 or 5 individuals who are working at desks.
10.25am	Mr Smith introduces the Minister and invites him to address the gathering.
10.27am	The Minister addresses the gathering (3 minutes).
10.30am	Doorstop briefing (private room).
10.35am	Doorstop Interview
10.45am	The Minister departs

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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ATTACHMENT 3.3

From: “MPS” MPS@health.gov.au Sent: 26/03/2026 9:29:03 AM To: “Minister McAllister DLO” <Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certain health.gov.au>; “MINISTERIAL” <redacted: s47E(d)-certain operations of age@ndis.gov.au>; “Carers, Autism, Markets and Safeguards” CAMS@health.gov.au Subject: RE: Meeting brief request | USDAC [SEC=OFFICIAL]

OFFICIAL

Morning Kate,

Noting there is no action for MPS to log this brief and will be managed by the NDIA, @Carers, Autism, Markets and Safeguards cc’ing you in for visibility, thank you.

Sarah redacted: s47F- personal privacy Ministerial Coordination Officer Ministerial Coordination, PDMS Analytics and Support

Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Branch (MPS) | People, Communication and Parliamentary Division Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing MPS Hotline: 02 6289 4400 | E: MPS@health.gov.au Please note: MPS Hotline hours have changed to 8:30am – 5:00pm PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

OFFICIAL

From: Minister McAllister DLO Sent: Thursday, 26 March 2026 8:14 AM To: redacted: s47E(d)-certain operations of @ndis.gov.au Cc: MPS ; Minister McAllister DLO Subject: Meeting brief request | USDAC [SEC=OFFICIAL]

OFFICIAL

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Good morning!

Could we please have a meeting brief for the Minister’s meeting with USDAC (Unified SDA Coalition).

Charles Northcote (Chair of USDAC) and Geoff Slack from Your Place Housing will be attending.

The meeting is Wednesday 15 April at 2:30 pm (on teams).

Attached is a letter from USDAC and email from the Chair of USDAC about the subject of the meeting.

Due Wednesday 8 April.

NDIA to lead with input from Dept (CAMS) if required.

Kind regards,

Kate redacted: s47F- personal privacy

Departmental Liaison Officer

Office of Senator the Hon. Jenny McAllister M: redacted: s47F- personal privacy T: (02) 6277 7239 E: Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certain O health.gov.au | Minister.McAllister.redacted: s47E(d)- Certain O protected.health.gov.au Suite M1.52 | PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Living and working on Ngunnawal/Ngunawal/Ngambri Country

OFFICIAL

“Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all copies of this transmission.”

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