26 March 2026 - meeting 18 - communique

The Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee (the Committee) met for the first time this year on 26 March 2026.

The Committee met with the Minister for Disability, the Hon Jinson Charls MLA, who shared updates on recent developments and ongoing initiatives supporting people with disability across the Northern Territory.

Minister’s Update

The Minister acknowledged the Committee’s importance as an advisory body, providing lived experience expertise and advice to support the development of practical and inclusive policy improvements. The Minister noted that such collaboration contributes to better outcomes for people with disability.

The Minister also congratulated the new Chair, Ms Sarah Skopellos and Ms Alishia Lindsay, Deputy Chair on their recent appointments and noted their leadership in guiding the Committee’s work.

The Minister recognised the importance of the implementation timeline for Thriving Kids and reaffirmed a strong commitment to getting it right for Territory families. Work is actively progressing with the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to ensure effective programs are in place to support those children, their parents, families and carers transitioning from NDIS supports to state and territory-based programs.

The Minister also updated members on key developments since the previous meeting, including International Day of Disability events on 3 December 2025, and the opening of the new Changing Places facility at the Katherine Aquatic Centre.

The Minister reaffirmed the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to supporting the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to address fraud and exploitation within the NDIS Scheme, working to ensure adequate accessible disability parking, and advancing the second Action Plan under the NT Disability Strategy 2022 – 2032.

Thriving Kids

Members were provided with an update and discussed the ongoing collaboration between the Australian Government and other states and territories to implement Thriving Kids for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, and for their families, carers and kin.

The Northern Territory Government will start to deliver new Thriving Kids services for children with developmental delay and/or autism from October 2026 and the Committee looks forward to engaging with the Department of People, Sport and Culture over the coming months to help inform the design and effective delivery of Thriving Kids.

Emergency Shelters

The Department of Education and Training provided an update on the operation of the Northern Territory emergency shelters, including activation triggers, duration of operation, and the overarching priority of protecting life during emergency situations. Members noted the importance of ensuring shelters are safe, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all community members.

Members provided constructive feedback on opportunities to improve shelter accessibility and inclusivity. Key themes included enhanced privacy measures, improved storage capacity to support assistive devices and the supply of essential equipment.

The Committee also highlighted the importance of staff capability and awareness. Members emphasised the need for targeted education that enables a greater understanding of the needs of people with disability including inclusive communication methods to ensure people remain informed and reassured during emergencies.

Members also raised considerations regarding culturally appropriate and gender-sensitive shelter arrangements, noting the importance of policies that respect the diverse needs of individuals, including people with disability and Aboriginal communities.

Accessibility at Casuarina Square

Melissa Adamson, Operations Manager of Casuarina Square gave members an update on the new “Next is Now” development at Casuarina Square, including improved disability parking, accessible restrooms and improved lift access.

Members were thankful for the opportunity to meet with Ms Adamson and share their insights into what makes places and spaces accessible to all.

Ms Sarah Skopellos
Chair
Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee