Media Release by The Hon Christian Porter MP

Expanded board to drive NDIS rollout

The Commonwealth and state and territory governments have agreed to expand the National Disability Insurance Scheme board and extend the terms of existing board members.

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said the current board members’ terms would have otherwise expired on 30 June 2016.

“I have asked the Board Chair and three members to serve for a further six months after their current terms expire in mid-2016.

“The remaining members have been invited to extend their terms for twelve months, taking them through to mid-2017.

“These changes will deliver continuity as the NDIS starts its transition to the full scheme in July 2016, and will ensure there is progressive exchange of knowledge and experience to enhance the development and governance of the scheme.”

Minister Porter also reinforced the Government’s commitment to expanding the board’s specialist knowledge and experience.

“There’s no doubt that as the NDIS builds towards the full scheme, with an eventual $22 billion annual outlay, there will be an increasing need for high level financial and insurance expertise,” Mr Porter said.

“We will be able to start building that additional expertise by adding a further three positions to the board in July 2016.

“I’ll be bringing forward minor amendments to the NDIS Act this year to enable that change.

“I have consulted with my state and territory colleagues, and we will be working closely together to progress additional NDIA board appointments.

“I am confident we can achieve the highest calibre board to manage the transition to full scheme to ensure people with disability can have the choice and control they deserve.”

Members reappointed to the end of 2016 are:

  • Board Chair, Mr Bruce Bonyhady AM
  • Ms Geraldine Harwood
  • Ms Fiona Payne, and
  • Mr John Hill PSM.

Reappointments until mid-2017 are:

  • Mr Glenn Keys,
  • Mr John Walsh AM,
  • Professor Rhonda Galbally AO, and
  • Mr Martin Laverty.

For more information on the NDIA Board, visit www.ausgovboards.gov.au/boards/national-disability-insurance-agency-board