30 July 2026 - meeting 19 - communique

The Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee (the Committee) met for the second time this year on 30 July 2026.

The Committee met with the Hon Jinson Charls MLA, Minister for Disability, to discuss key priorities across disability policy, service delivery and inclusion initiatives in the Northern Territory.

The Committee continues to advocate for accessible, inclusive and person-centred policies and services while monitoring progress on key reforms and initiatives.

Minister’s Update

Minister Charls acknowledged and thanked longstanding disability advocates Helen Pachos and Robyne Burridge OAM for their tireless advocacy to improve accessible transport for people with disability in the Northern Territory.

The Minister welcomed the forthcoming reforms to improve wheelchair-accessible transport, led by the Hon Bill Yan MLA, Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure. The reforms will provide greater access to wheelchair-accessible transport, including increased availability of wheelchair-accessible taxis and improved support for people with disability to travel safely and independently.

The Minister acknowledged the strong participation by the disability community at the Darwin Disability Expo and the Mini Paralympics, noting that opportunities are being developed by the Department of People, Sport and Culture for children with disability to access specialist sporting pathways.

The Minister provided an update on concerns raised by the disability community regarding the proposed amendments under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026, including upcoming changes to eligibility criteria and access to supports and services, NDIS support funding, and its potential impact on Territorians living with disability across urban, regional and remote communities.

The Minister emphasised that he has, and will continue to, advocate with the Australian Government to ensure the needs, experiences and circumstances of people with disability in the Northern Territory are appropriately considered in the development and implementation of any changes to the NDIS.

Thriving Kids

Members received an update on the new Thriving Kids initiative, which will provide supports for children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental support needs. The program aims to improve access to early intervention for families with services to be rolled out progressively from 1 October 2026, with full implementation by 1 January 2028.

Members supported the program's focus on early intervention, coordinated service delivery and a human rights-based approach. They also emphasised the importance of meaningful consultation with families and people with lived experience.

Office of Disability update

Members were advised that recruitment for new Committee members has concluded, with appointments expected to be confirmed by the next Committee meeting in November 2026.

The Committee received updates on preparations for the 2026 Disability Royal Commission progress reporting across governments and the positive progress in implementing the Disability Royal Commission recommendations by Northern Territory Government agencies.

The Office of Disability provided an update to the Committee on the planning for the Northern Territory Disability Inclusion Awards, with the award ceremony to be held at Parliament House again this year on 25 September 2026.

Members Workshop Session

Members participated in a workshop session to consider current key priorities under the 5 outcome areas of the Northern Territory Disability Strategy 2022-2032. The workshop provided an opportunity for members to share their views and identify key areas of reform. Members’ feedback will be consolidated and inform future work.

NT Public Sector Workforce Strategy 2027-2032

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment and Committee members discussed opportunities to strengthen disability inclusion across the Northern Territory public sector.

Key priorities included improving accessible recruitment practices, ensuring workplace adjustments are readily available, increasing disability awareness and training for managers, improving access to information on workplace supports, strengthening partnerships with disability organisations, and promoting inclusive workplace cultures that support career progression and leadership opportunities for people with disability.

Ms Sarah Skopellos
Chair
Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee