The Children's Expert Advisory Group (CEAG) met on 30 April 2026. The meeting was held online.
Focus of the meeting
The focus of the meeting was discussing the:
- Development of new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Outcomes Framework.
- Decision-making on informal supports: provision of advice on the application of s34(1)(e).
Development of new NDIS Outcomes Framework
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) gave a presentation on the early design thinking of the new NDIS Outcomes Framework. The NDIA is working with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to develop a new NDIS Outcomes Framework.
The current framework has been in place since 2016 and has some limitations.
The new framework will better reflect:
- What matters most to NDIS participants, their families and carers.
- What matters most to government and the wider community.
The new framework will help the NDIA and government to better show:
- The benefits of the NDIS.
- How effective it is.
- How the NDIS delivers on the goals and principles in the NDIS Act.
Members feedback included:
- Having a plain English document to help make the framework easier to understand.
- Use of affirming language.
- Making sure the framework language focuses on the differences for each person, including their developmental stage, their support needs and family context.
- Consideration of family and carer wellbeing as it is important for ensuring good outcomes for children.
- The new framework should demonstrate that participant, family and carer outcomes are linked and work together.
- The new framework should include a focus on outcomes attributable to the Scheme.
- Highlighting that listening to parents, carers and children is important.
Decision-making on informal supports
The NDIA gave a presentation on reasonable and necessary supports. They discussed, reasonable expectations of families, carers, informal networks and the community.
When deciding what supports a child needs in their NDIS plan, the NDIA must consider what is reasonable to expect from:
- Families and carers
- Informal supports
- Community supports
The NDIA asked the Group for feedback to improve guidance for NDIA delegates making decisions about what supports are reasonable and necessary.
Members feedback included:
- Ways to reduce bias by avoiding personal judgement.
- A risk assessment for NDIA delegates to look at each families’ situation and understand their needs and risks.
- Use journey maps and case studies.
- Talk with parents and families to get an understanding of what is considered outside of parental responsibility.
Next meeting
The next Children's Expert Advisory Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 25 June 2026.