The Hon. Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) announced the appointment of members to the NDIS Independent Advisory Council (IAC). Among the five new appointees is Andrew Vodic, a Newcastle resident, CEO of the Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH), and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.

Andrew brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a person with a disability to the IAC, offering a unique and valuable perspective. His leadership at CDAH, a peer-led disability advocacy organisation, has been instrumental in empowering people with disabilities and fostering inclusive communities. Andrew’s commitment to championing the voices of people with disabilities, particularly those living in rural and regional areas, will help ensure the NDIS addresses the diverse needs of all Australians.

The IAC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the NDIS by providing expert advice to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board. Comprising individuals with extensive professional expertise and lived experience, the council ensures that the voices of people with disabilities, their families, and carers are central to the design, implementation, and refinement of the NDIS. Through consultation and co-design, the IAC aims to address key challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and uphold the scheme’s commitment to participant-centred outcomes.

Andrew shared his gratitude and dedication to the role. “It is a profound honour to be appointed to the IAC. As a person with a disability and as CEO of CDAH, I’m deeply committed to representing the interests of people with disabilities. I look forward to bringing the voices of people from regional communities into the conversation and highlighting the impact that organisations that are run by people with disabilities can have on the decision making in the sector,” he said.

IMAGE | Andrew Vodic