WA NDIS LOCAL ADVISORY GROUP(S)
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Purpose
The Local Advisory Group(s) for Western Australia’s National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS) trial will provide a forum for the constructive exchange of information
and ideas relating to local trial site experience, as well as problem-solving issues as
they emerge.
Roles and responsibilities
Members will be responsible for:
a.) Contributing to and leading agenda items.
b.) Utilising personal / professional networks to disseminate practical and pertinent
WA NDIS trial information to maximise stakeholder awareness and
understanding.
c.) Assisting with local communication strategies to raise awareness of the trial,
focusing on those who may be eligible.
d.) Providing constructive feedback on participant and service provider experience
within the trial.
e.) Problem-solving issues as they emerge. If unable to be resolved at the local
level, the Chair will determine whether it is appropriate to escalate the issue to
the Disability Services Commission (the Commission).
f.) Actively contributing knowledge, expertise and keeping up-to-date with NDIS
developments as it relates to their own area of experience / organisation.
g.) Information-sharing about community supports, local connections and
mainstream services in the trial area.
Administration and Reporting
a.) The Local Advisory Group(s) will report to the Commission.
b.) Agenda items will be called for prior to each meeting date.
c.) Actions, outcomes and advice will be recorded and distributed to all members, to
be endorsed at the beginning of each subsequent meeting.
Meetings
a.) Meetings will be chaired by the Regional Manager / Director.
b.) Meetings will be held on a quarterly basis, at the most practical local Commission
office (or other venue as determined by the Chair). Consideration will also be
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given to alternate arrangements where required, to factor in geographical /
regional complexities.
c.) Members are encouraged to attend all meetings where possible based on the
principle that good governance requires continuity and participation of all
representative members’ interests. If unable to attend, a member may nominate a
proxy to act on their behalf.
d.) The Chair may invite non-members to attend meetings as observers or to provide
specific information as needed.
e.) Secretariat support will be provided by Disability Services Commission staff at the
nearest local office.
Membership
Membership of the Local Advisory Group(s) will reflect the diversity of skills,
experience and knowledge across the disability and mental health sectors, as well as
other key stakeholder groups, including:
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WA NDIS Regional Manager / Director (Chair)
WA NDIS Area Manager
At least ten representatives, at a minimum, from the following groups:
o Two consumers (disability and mental health)
o Two carers and / or family members
o One disability service provider
o One mental health service provider
o One consumer representative organisation
o One local government or other community representative
o One advocacy organisation
o One mainstream service provider, such as education, health, housing,
transport, justice and / or child protection
o Other members, as deemed appropriate by the Chair.
Representatives will be selected by a transparent, merit-based process which will
include seeking Expression of Interest from interested parties. Preference will be
given to those who reside or have a base in the relevant trial area.
Vacancies may be handled through invitation by the Chair.
Review Date
The Local Advisory Group(s) will operate until 30 June 2017. The need for any
extension beyond this date will be determined by the Director General of the
Disability Services Commission.
August 2016
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