First Nations Strategy to ensure better outcomes for First Nations people living with disability
The Australian Government has announced a new strategy designed to ensure First Nations people living with disability receive the culturally safe and accessible support they need through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, said the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today released a five-year NDIS First Nations Strategy 2025-2030, saying it was a key step to improving the lives of First Nations people with disability.
“We know changes need to be made and they need to be made together with First Nations people. So, I’m extremely proud today to announce the new NDIS First Nations Strategy 2025-2030.
“The strategy represents a commitment to meaningful action to address systemic barriers and challenges for First Nations people who are already on the Scheme, and for those who need supports but may not yet have them.
“We recognise the multiple challenges and barriers First Nations people have experienced in accessing the NDIS, including culturally safe and effective NDIS services and supports,” Minister Shorten said.
“We know changes need to be made and they need to be made together with First Nations people. So, I’m extremely proud today to announce the new NDIS First Nations Strategy 2025-2030.
“The strategy represents a commitment to meaningful action to address systemic barriers and challenges for First Nations people who are already on the Scheme, and for those who need supports but may not yet have them.
“It’s also a key step in responding to both the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review, while also delivering on our stated commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and working across government to Close the Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”
The First Nations Strategy was developed with a First Nations Strategy Working Group that comprised First Nations NDIS participants, providers and partners in the community, as well as First Nations peak bodies and advocates.
The Working Group incorporated the views of over 650 First Nations people who shared their experiences, including through the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review.”
First Nations Strategy Working Group Member Suzy Trindall, a proud Gadigal woman with disability, shares her involvement in the development of the Strategy.
“It’s a privilege to help shape the NDIS First Nations Strategy. I take this responsibility seriously as I want to do right by First Nations people with disability who need a voice.
What stood out to me about this process was the people, we each brought different perspectives, and our deep sense of connection made our contributions more meaningful,” Miss Tindall said.
The interest in being part of the Strategy for fellow group member Dr. Lynore Geia, a Bwgcolman woman, stems from her lived experience in community.
“I am privileged to be part of the NDIS First Nations Strategy and help set the direction for change. I’m pleased my voice has been heard and I’m able to raise awareness about what’s happening on the ground.
“I’m pleased my voice has been heard and I’m able to raise awareness about what’s happening on the ground. This work is a prompt for people in power to think about how they can bridge the gap between policy makers and people living in community,” Dr Geia said.
Minister Shorten today also announced the creation of a new NDIA Independent Advisory Council (IAC) First Nations Reference Group.
He said the Reference Group, which will hold its first meeting in February 2025, will play a vital role in strengthening strategic advice to the NDIA Board on policies and services affecting First Nations people.
“The government is 100 per cent committed to working closely with First Nations people with disability, their families, advocates and communities to co-design the reforms needed to achieve better outcomes,” Minister Shorten said.
Minister Shorten said the NDIA had improved its approach to engaging First Nations people under the leadership of Deputy CEO and First Nations Champion Adjunct Professor Dr Janine Mohamed, who is a proud Narungga Kaurna woman from South Australia.
Dr Mohamed also welcomed the new strategy and its significance for First Nations people with disability.
“For us, it’s about equity for current and future participants and improving experiences and outcomes for them. I really want to make participants and everyone else involved in their lives feel valued and culturally safe.” Dr Mohamed said.
The NDIS is now supporting over 52,000 First Nations participants.
Read more about the First Nations Strategy on the NDIS website via the following link: First Nations Strategy | NDIS.