Self-Management Advisory Group meeting summary May 2026

The Self-Management Advisory Group (SMAG) met on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. The meeting was held online.  

Focus of the meeting 

The focus of the May meeting was:

  • NDIA update.
  • Circles of Support and Microboards.
  • Supported Independent Living – Mandatory registration.

NDIA update

Circles of Support and Microboards

Circles of support and Microboards are a formal way for family, friends and allies to help participants:

  • Make decisions.
  • Build relationships and stay part of their community.
  • Plan for the future.
  • Stay safe and continue to receive supports when family or friends are no longer able to help.

Participants will have more flexibility to use their NDIS funds on Circles of Supports or Microboards when the new way of planning starts.

Members gave feedback on the following topics:

  • The importance of Circles of Support and Microboards:
    • Circles of Support and Microboards help people make decisions about their lives.
    • They provide support and safety. This is very important for people with high needs or when there is not a lot of family support.
  • Skills needed for a Circles of Support and Microboards facilitator:
    • Communicate clearly and effectively.
    • Build trust and guide group discussions.
    • Keep the focus on the person’s goals and choices.
    • Encourage the person to be active in their community.
  • What good Circles of Support and Microboards should look like:
    • Formal funding should support quality providers but keep the original purpose of these models.
    • Funding should not reduce flexibility or limit access to these options for participants. Participants should still be able to access the supports they value the most.
  • Ways to make Circles of Support and Microboards better:
    • Keep self-management as an option.
    • Support skilled providers.
    • Invest in shared training and knowledge across the sector.

Supported Independent Living – mandatory registration

New registration rules will start from 1 July 2026. Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, who manage and deliver SIL, and most platform providers will need to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

A platform provider is an organisation that uses a website or app to connect NDIS participants to support workers or services.

Registration will help make sure these services meet clear safety and quality standards. This includes worker screening checks and clear ways to report concerns or incidents.

Providers will also need to meet new practice standards. These standards focus on what matters most to participants. Practice standards will help make sure:

  • Participants can make their own choices.
  • Participants are safe.
  • Providers do the right thing.
  • Housing and support arrangements are clearly explained.

Member feedback included:

  • Information must be clear and easy to understand.
  • People need a clear explanation of what SIL is.
  • Changes should make a real difference in people’s daily lives.
  • People need support to feel confident making decisions.
  • Different types of living arrangements need to be supported. This includes flexible and individual arrangements, not just traditional models.

Next meeting

The next SMAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 23 July 2026.