21 June 2021 - meeting 4 - communique

The fourth meeting of the Northern Territory (NT) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) was held on the 21 June 2021 via Microsoft Teams. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Australia’s Disability Stategy (ADS) and NT Disability Strategy (NT Strategy).

The meeting was attended by the Hon Kate Worden MLA, Minister for Disabilities, and Mr Ken Davies PSM, Chief Executive of the Department of Territory Families Housing and Communities (TFHC). Minister Worden welcomed Ms Susan Burns, Territory Manager NT, National Disability Services and Nadia Lindop, Chief Executive Officer, MJD Foundation as newly appointed ex-officios for the DAC. Minister Worden also provided an update to members on a number of local and national reforms and initivates, including:

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms, including Independent Assessments
• NDIS financial sustainability
• Disability Reform Ministers Meeting on 9 July 2021
• Information, Linkages and Capacity Building grants
• COVID-19 vaccinations

Mr Luke Twyford, General Manager, Strategic Services, TFHC provided an update on the development of NT Strategy and the alignment of it to the ADS. Mr Twyford gave an overview of the governance and engagement for the NT Strategy, and the DACs role in decision-making and providing advice to Minister Worden on its development.

Ms Vicki Telfer, Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) and Ms Libby Doney, Director, Strategic Workforce Planning and Development, OCPE presented to members on disability employment and inclusion initiatives within the NT Government.

Ms Liz Reid AM, Executive Officer, YouthWorX NT explained to members her role as a member of the Independent Advisory Council and ADS Reform Steering Group, NDIS and ADS governance, and her vision for the NT Strategy.

Mr Stephen Moger, Branch Manager, Disability Policy, Department of Social Services (DSS) and Kate Costello, Director, Engagement and Governance, DSS presented to members on the development of the ABS and the consultation process to date, including the DAC submission.

The date for the next meeting of the DAC will be provided on the webpage.