“You need mechanisms in place so things can be rectified over time and give people confidence that the system can work for you if you put a little bit of input back, give your opinion and show how this is working and not working. I think that lived experience is so, so fundamental to everything that is being done...”
What we talked about
Topic 1: Draft First Nations Strategy Implementation Plan
The NDIA gave an overview of the Draft First Nations Strategy Implementation Plan. The team explained how the plan turns the NDIS First Nations Strategy 2025-30 into practical actions and supports Closing the Gap priority reforms, NDIS Review, and Disability Royal Commission.
Topic 2: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework
The NDIA presented an overview of the proposed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework for the First Nations Strategy and how it will be developed through consultation.
What we heard
First Nations Strategy Implementation Plan
- Community voices must shape the implementation plan work early, to avoid missing key issues and creating problems later.
- The NDIA needs to involve local community leaders and people close to the ground, not just Indigenous organisations, and high-level representatives.
- Regional and remote areas face different challenges, the ability to rollout the plan will vary across regions.
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) are critical partners but may not have capacity or be ready to take on expanded NDIS related disability roles. ACCHOs may need additional support and capability building.
- Roundtable discussions may privilege those already resourced and connected. The NDIA should actively seek out less visible community voices in consultation and decision making.
- New plans and funding arrangements are confusing and stressful, even for people with experience in the system.
Community has concerns about support coordinators and providers, including pressure, a lack of transparency, and value for money.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework
- Data needs to be handled carefully and respectfully.
- There are risks around data matching, consent, ethics, and ensuring data use does not cause harm or exclude people.
- Lived experience, stories, and community defined measures of success should be used in monitoring and evaluation.
Next meeting
Thursday 21 May 2026