The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Heading the EAC - Associate Prof Jill Duncan
Smart Spend, Strong Supports: EAC to Shape NDIS Future
A new NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) will use independent expertise to steer spending toward safe, effective, and value-for-money supports.
In what may be one of the clearest signs yet that the politics of the NDIS now revolves around both outcomes and budgets, the Albanese government has established an Evidence Advisory Committee to inform how the scheme works. Its mission: use independent expertise to steer spending toward safe, effective, and value-for-money supports.
The idea is so obvious and sensible, you might think it’s amazing it didn’t occur to anyone previously. Well actually it did.
Establishing an EAC was Recommendation 23.2 of the Independent NDIS Review. This highlighted the need to rigorously assess therapies, assistive technologies, and capacity-building approaches, and ensure every dollar spent supported by evidence-based impact.
The point is that someone has finally acted.
“A team of Australia’s leading educators, researchers and disability advocates have been appointed to an expert‑led committee, established to ensure NDIS participants access the best‑practice, evidence‑based supports that deliver results.”
Crucially, this is not about cutting costs for the sake of it — but about directing finite taxpayer investments toward supports that demonstrably improve lives. It isn’t just common sense; it answers growing concerns about inconsistent outcomes, unchecked spending, and minimal transparency.
The Committee Chair is Associate Professor Jill Duncan OAM Chair. Professor Angus Buchanan, Melanie Eagle, Matthew Formston, Professor Tammy Hoffman, Dr Robyn Mildon, Andrew Moffat, Mary Sayers, and Clare Gibellini comprise the EAC.
The EAC is funded with $45.5 million over four years with operations to begin by next July. It will be supported by three technical subcommittees focused on: capacity-building and therapies; assistive technology and capital; and health economics.
This isn’t austerity. It’s accountability - with participants firmly front of mind.
The Briefing
photo courtesy FPDN
A 'devastating pattern of preventable deaths'
by First Peoples Disability Network
Northern Territory Court documents have revealed a young Aboriginal man with disability died following a fatal restraint while in disability care. First Peoples Disability Network says it's the system that kills and blueprints for action are systematically being ignored. “How many more funerals will it take before governments act?” asks Strategy Director Tennille Lamb. “These aren’t unavoidable tragedies, they’re the predictable outcomes of systems that criminalise vulnerability and fail in their most basic duty of care. Our people deserve to be safe. We demand truth, accountability, and change, not silence.”
CPA Research Institute: Seven Great Programs
by Cerebral Palsy Alliance
The CPA Research Institute newsletter highlights current research. This includes an updated description of cerebral palsy as a lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition that is not degenerative. Another team researched Movement Assessment which helps identify infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental conditions like cerebral palsy. As trained professionals are limited and early diagnosis is crucial, experts are exploring Artificial Intelligence to expand access.
New Consultation Dates for Foundational Supports in NSW
by National Disability Services
The NSW Government is inviting public input on Foundational Supports for children with new consultation sessions across the state. Additional dates and locations have been added in regional and coastal areas to broaden participation.
Update: Staged suitability review for entry-level behaviour support practitioners now rolling out
by National Disability Services
The NDIS Commission has begun a staged re-assessment process for entry-level behaviour support practitioners under its updated guidelines. Practitioners on the new pathway must meet revised suitability standards to continue delivering restrictive practices services.
Nominate a volunteer or group for the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service
by Hands Across Canberra
Nominations are open for the Premier’s Certificate recognising exceptional volunteer efforts across South Australian communities. Submissions close 31 October, with certificates issued ahead of International Volunteers Day on 5 December 2025.
How to Get the Support You Need From Your Plan Manager
by NDSP Plan Managers
Many NDIS participants are unsure when to contact their plan manager and what support they can realistically expect. This guide outlines how to streamline communication, clarify roles, and avoid common frustrations with plan management services.
The ideal plan manager (photo courtesy NDSP)
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The Wrap
NDIS fraud: Hundreds ordered to repay millions in disability claims
by Daily Telegraph
NDIS fraudsters have been caught claiming everything from mortgage payments to 400 years' worth of medical supplies in a nationwide crackdown on scheme rorts. (abilityNEWS will be running a Big Story on the ANAO Report on Monday)
Sydney hospital beds face growing backlog of NDIS and aged care patients overstaying
by Daily Telegraph
A growing backlog of NDIS and aged-care patients wasting away in the state’s hospitals weeks after they were meant to be discharged are costing taxpayers an estimated $62,514,475 a month. The Daily Telegraph can reveal the giant blow to the NSW Health budget as the latest bed block data reveals more than 1131 aged care and NDIS patients in NSW public hospitals had exceeded their estimated date of discharge in July alone.
My Aged Care disaster makes Labor’s ramping pledge look absurd | David Penberthy
by The Advertiser
Maek Butler is the minister who has rightly called time on the absurd and unsubstantiated explosion in the number of kids who are alleged to have autism in Australia under the NDIS. These numbers are off the charts, in many cases baseless, and are being driven more by the availability of public money than anything rooted in medical rigour. He acted commendably with his support for Bedford Industries, stepping in to save the people with disability. But with My Aged Care, Mark Butler has a genuine policy disaster on his hands.
Children with autism to move off NDIS
by Coonamble Times
Frazier, Sarah and Clover say that whatever replaces the National Disability Insurance Scheme for autistic children should give them the same opportunities. Local families are pondering what's next for Coonamble children with autism after the federal government announced that some will not be covered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Understanding Big Emotions: Practical Support for Teens with Autism and Disability
by Lanham Media on behalf of LiveBig
Many families raising young people with autism, need the right supports for growth and resilience. A free webinar for parents and caregivers, allied health professionals, educators, support workers and youth mentors will unpack the science and provide a toolkit of suggested strategies that can be used at home.
Creating safe, inclusive spaces
by St George Leader
On August 20, 2025, at the National Press Club, Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the importance of early, accessible, community-based supports through the Thriving Kids strategy and the rollout of Kids Hubs. At the Autism Community Network (ACN), we are proud to say we were the first organisation in NSW established solely to provide peer-to-peer support for autistic individuals, their families, and carers.
Girl’s best friend: assistance pup to help girl with rare neurodevelopmental disorder
by The Chronicle
A Toowoomba girl will soon have a companion helping her navigate life with a condition so rare that she was only the 13th person in Australia to be diagnosed. Olivia was diagnosed with KAT6A syndrome, an ultra rare neurodevelopmental disorder, when she was four.
The Diary
