29 February 2024 - meeting 12 - communique

The Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee (the Committee) met on 29 February 2024 in Darwin with the Hon Ngaree Ah Kit MLA, Minister for Disabilities. Members from Alice Springs and Tennant Creek joined via video link.

The Committee discussed:

• The Northern Territory Disability Strategy and its Action Plan. The Committee members provided valuable advice to the Office on Disability on implementing actions from the Action Plan including the development of an information hub website and conducting a Territory‑wide survey to identify barriers and solutions.
• The next steps for the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities in developing an appropriate approach to the planning and implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
• The development of Foundational Supports in the Northern Territory as recommended in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review Report and agreed at the National Cabinet meeting on 6 December 2023.

Minister’s Update

The Minister for Disabilities announced the resignation of Nadia Lindop from the MJD Foundation. Minister Ah Kit thanked Ms Lindop for her input and contribution to the Disability Advisory Committee.

Minister Ah Kit and her office will work hard to ensure all NT Government agencies meet their obligations to Territorians with disability to enable access to mainstream services in the community. Minister Ah Kit stated that it is important that the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review are actioned appropriately and worked on in collaboration.

Building Accessibility

The Manager of the Building Advisory Services unit within the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics presented on building accessibility, compliance and complaints. Members shared that they encounter building accessibility issues daily. The Building Advisory Services unit shared the ways people can make complaints to them. Members would like to see the Australian Standard for design access and mobility reviewed and minimum standards increased.

Northern Territory Government Boards and Committees

The Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (CM&C) presented to members on their action under the Northern Territory Disability Strategy Action Plan to promote opportunities for people with disability to be included on government boards and committees through disability networks and the development of a quota for government.

CM&C sought advice from members regarding a quota for the representation of people with disability on Northern Territory Government Boards and Committees. Members also provided advice on ways boards and committees could be more accessible for people with disability.

The next meeting is expected to be held on 6 June 2024.

Ms Sarah Skopellos
Deputy Chair
Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee