ACT Disability Advisory Council Communiques

28 April 2026

The ACT Disability Advisory Council (DAC) meeting, held on Tuesday 28 April 2026, was chaired by Ms Kelly Brown.

Members discussed extending standing invitations to key disability organisations, expressing strong support for Council engagement with Disabled Persons Organisations and broader stakeholder participation. Members will consider and discuss a draft list of standing invites at the next DAC meeting.

Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Ms Suzanne Orr MLA, attended to hear member feedback on the Commonwealth Government announcements regarding proposed changes to the NDIS, made at the National Press Club on 22 April 2026. Members raised concerns regarding the negative portrayal of people with disability in the media following the announcement, as well as concerns regarding community uncertainty, service and support gaps, workforce pressures and barriers to scheme access.   The Minister acknowledged the issues members raised and invited further Council engagement and input ahead of preparing and presenting a statement in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Members also continued discussions to support the development of a Council workplan, noting the need for clear outcomes, defined areas of focus, and strong engagement with key disability community stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

The next DAC meeting will be held on 16 June 2026.

10 February 2026

The ACT Disability Advisory Council (DAC) meeting, held on 10 February 2026, was Chaired by Ms Kelly Brown.

In the first half of the meeting members considered the reflections and advice provided to the Council from the previous Disability Reference Group, prior to discussing the importance of identifying Council strengthens through the mapping of individual member skills, experiences and expertise.

The Office for Disability also provided members with an update on the progress of actions under the ACT Disability Strategy (2024-2033) First Action Plan (2024-26).

During the second half of the meeting members discussed the development of a Council Workplan to help shape and deliver the Disability Advisory Council core priorities over the coming years.  Members agreed to prioritise Workplan development at the next regular Council meeting.

The next DAC meeting will be held on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

9 December 2025

The ACT Disability Advisory Council (DAC) held their inaugural meeting on 9 December 2025. The meeting was Chaired by Ms Kelly Brown.

Ms Suzanne Orr, Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services attended the first half of the meeting to welcome members to their new role and to affirm the importance of the Council.

Members took the opportunity to introduce themselves, shared information about their interests and expertise, and discussed the benefits of developing a forward work plan to progress Council priorities and to manage future Council engagements and work.

In the second half of the meeting the Office for Disability provided members with an overview of the ACT disability policy landscape prior to members discussing the specific policies and plans that will be central to the work of the DAC.

Prior to closing the meeting, the Chair flagged key pieces of work the Council will shape in the New Year and confirmed the proposed meeting dates for across 2026.

The next DAC meeting will be held on Tuesday 10 February 2026.