- 12 inaugural community members welcomed to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) WACommunity Advisory Council
- Council to play active role in advocating for Western Australian participants in the NDIS and provide advice to government on scheme performance
- First meeting being held 10 December 2025
- Cook Government committed to building safe and inclusive community
A new advisory body will represent the interests of participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with 12 community members appointed to the NDISWA Community Advisory Council.
The 18-member council will provide advice to governments on the performance of the NDIS in Western Australia, including initiatives to improve scheme access and participant experience.
The council has 12 community members, including the Lived Experience Advisory Panel Chair and the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability Chair, and six government members.
Over 130 applications were received in response to the Expression of Interest for the council, with community members chosen to represent the diversity of people living with disability across WA.
The 12 community members appointed to the council are:
- Stuart Schonell, Chairperson
- Jacquie Thomson, Deputy Chairperson
- Ellie Moir
- Stuart Jenkinson
- Melanie Boulton
- Melissa Evans
- Shazzy Tharby
- Melissa Northcott
- Julie Carr
- Terrence Winner
- Leighton Jay
- Clare Gibellini
The newly appointed members include a cross-representation of people with lived experience, including families and carers, and those with advocacy and disability sector backgrounds.
Membership is for a three-year term from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2028. The first meeting of the council is scheduled for today, Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
The establishment of the council is an outcome of WA's Full Scheme Bilateral Agreement on the NDIS, reflecting the shared responsibility of the Commonwealth and State governments for an effective and sustainable NDIS in WA, including regional and remote WA.
More information about the council's term of reference can be found here: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/ndis-wa-community-advisory-council
As stated by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting the effective operation of the NDIS for Western Australians who live with disability.
"The NDIS WA Community Advisory Council will play an important role in advocating for all NDIS participants and helping to strengthen the NDIS to ensure participants are supported irrespective of their background, support needs, or where they live.
"People with disability play a crucial role in shaping the systems, policies, and legislation that impact their lives.
"I look forward to the council advising on the development, operations, and delivery of the NDIS in WA to improve participant outcomes and ensure the scheme is working well for everyone."
