The Australian Government has appointed Dr Graeme Innes AM as the new Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board, following the resignation of Mr Kurt Fearnley AO.
Dr Innes, who is an existing NDIA Board member, will start his new role on 17 December 2026, and has been appointed for three years.
He is a lawyer, author and company director who served as Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner for nine years. He also brings 30 years experience as a human rights practitioner.
Dr Innes was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the rights of people with a disability in Australia.
The Australian Government thanks Mr Kurt Fearnley for his significant contribution to the NDIA and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. His leadership supported the board's oversight of the agency during substantial reform and change.
The government has also appointed two new members: Mr Glenn Keys AO and Dr Kim Isaacs, who will fill existing vacancies.
Mr Keys is an experienced business leader, disability advocate and parent of a person with disability. He brings expertise in financial management, corporate governance and large-scale service delivery.
Dr Isaacs is a general practitioner and advocate for improved outcomes for First Nations communities. A Yawuru, Karajarri and Noongar woman, Dr Isaacs brings extensive experience in rural and remote service delivery, and Aboriginal primary health care.
The NDIA Board plays a critical role in overseeing the strategic direction, governance, and performance of the NDIS.
Board members provide expert leadership and guidance to make sure the scheme delivers on its objectives and improves outcomes for NDIS participants.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"I welcome Dr Graeme Innes as the new NDIA Board Chair and our new board members Mr Glenn Keys AO and Dr Kim Isaacs.
"Dr Innes will make an excellent chair due to his extensive leadership experience, strong governance skills and lifelong commitment to advancing the rights of people with disability.
"As a former Disability Discrimination Commissioner and current NDIA Board member, he brings both strategic expertise and lived experience of disability.
"I also thank Mr Kurt Fearnley for his invaluable contributions to the NDIA over the past 4 years."
Quotes attributable to Minister McAllister:
"Dr Innes's appointment comes at an important time of reform for the NDIS, and I know he is up to the challenge and task ahead.
"I thank him for accepting this challenging leadership role
.
"His leadership will help the NDIA remain focused on the needs of NDIS participants while becoming more sustainable.
"Thank you wholeheartedly to Mr Kurt Fearnley for your service to people with disability and the community more broadly."
Quotes attributable to outgoing Chair Mr Kurt Fearnley:
"Serving as the NDIA Board Chair has been a tremendous honour but I can't go on forever. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my 4 young children.
"I was the first person with a disability to chair the NDIA and I'm glad I won't be the last. It's important that the voice of people with a disability is at the heart of the NDIS and it would be hard to argue there's a better person than Graeme Innes to carry the torch forward.
Quotes attributable to incoming Chair Dr Graeme Innes:
"I am honoured to accept this appointment. I will work collaboratively with people with disabilities and their families, the sector and Government.
"My priority will be ensuring that the NDIS upholds the rights of participants, and delivers meaningful, sustainable outcomes."
