New NDIA Board will shape NDIS future for participants

NDIS Board Welcomes New Leadership Amidst Critical Reforms

Experienced Disability Advocate Dr. Graeme Innes AM Appointed Chair

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board is welcoming a new Chair and two new members at a pivotal time for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Dr. Graeme Innes AM, a long-standing advocate for people with disability and an existing NDIA Board member, will step into the role of Chair on December 17, 2026. He has been appointed for a three-year term.

Dr. Innes brings a wealth of experience, including nine years as Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner and three decades as a human rights practitioner. A lawyer, author, and company director, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant contributions to advancing the rights of people with disability.

Acknowledging Outgoing Chair Kurt Fearnley AO

The Australian Government expressed its gratitude to outgoing Chair Mr. Kurt Fearnley AO for his substantial leadership over the past four years. His tenure saw the Board oversee the NDIA, the agency responsible for implementing the NDIS, through a period of considerable reform and change.

Mr. Fearnley, an inspiring advocate and Paralympian, shared his honour at being the first person with a disability to chair the NDIA. He emphasised the importance of having the voice of people with disability at the heart of the NDIS, expressing confidence in Dr. Innes to continue this crucial work.

New Members Bring Diverse Expertise to the Board

The NDIA Board will also welcome two new members, Mr. Glenn Keys AO and Dr. Kim Isaacs, to fill existing vacancies. Their appointments add valuable perspectives and skills to the team guiding the NDIS.

Mr. Keys is a respected business leader and a dedicated disability advocate, with a deep understanding gained as the parent of a person with disability. His expertise spans financial management, corporate governance, and large-scale service delivery, which are critical for an initiative of the NDIS’s size and scope.

Dr. Isaacs, a Yawuru, Karajarri, and Noongar woman, is a general practitioner passionate about improving outcomes for First Nations communities. She brings extensive experience in delivering healthcare services in rural and remote areas, alongside a strong background in Aboriginal primary health care. Her insights will be invaluable in ensuring the NDIS effectively reaches and supports diverse communities across Australia.

The NDIA Board’s Crucial Role for Participants and Providers

The NDIA Board plays a fundamental role in guiding the strategic direction, governance, and overall performance of the NDIS. Board members provide expert leadership and advice to ensure the scheme delivers on its core objectives: to support NDIS participants to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Minister Butler welcomed the new appointments, highlighting Dr. Innes’s extensive leadership and strong commitment to disability rights. He noted that Dr. Innes’s “lived experience of disability” combined with his strategic expertise makes him an excellent choice to lead the Board.

Minister McAllister underscored that Dr. Innes’s appointment comes at an “important time of reform” for the NDIS. She expressed confidence that his leadership will help the NDIA stay focused on the needs of participants while working towards a more sustainable scheme for the future.

Dr. Innes affirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with people with disability, their families, the disability sector, and the Government. He stated his priority is “ensuring that the NDIS upholds the rights of participants, and delivers meaningful, sustainable outcomes.”

What This Means for You

This change in leadership comes as the NDIS continues to evolve following the recent NDIS Review and the Government’s commitment to “Pathway to Reform.” The NDIA Board’s role is to ensure these reforms are implemented effectively, keeping participants at the centre while also ensuring the scheme’s long-term sustainability.

For NDIS participants, families, carers, and providers, these appointments signal a continued focus on strong governance and a commitment to ensuring the NDIS remains true to its original purpose. The combined experience of the new Chair and members in disability advocacy, business, and health, particularly in diverse communities, suggests a well-rounded approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Staying informed about the Board’s strategic directions will be key as the scheme progresses.