NDIA Board Chair reappointment for 3-year term

The Australian Government has reappointed Mr Kurt Fearnley AO as Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board.
 
Mr Fearnley, an accomplished Australian Paralympian and disability advocate, became the first person with disability to serve as Chair of the NDIA Board when he was appointed to the role in September 2022.
 
Since then, Mr Fearnley has lent his extensive experience and insight as a government director to the Board, offering strong leadership and strategic guidance during a pivotal time in the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s (NDIS) history.
 
His dedicated stewardship of the NDIA Board has helped ensure the scheme remains on track, meets its objectives and continues to deliver for the more than 750,000 NDIS participants across Australia.
 
Under the NDIS Act 2013, the NDIA Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, governance and performance of the NDIS.
 
Mr Fearnley’s new term as NDIA Board Chair will commence on 17 January 2026 for a period of 3 years.
 
For more information on the NDIA Board, visit the NDIA website.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“For the past three years, Mr Fearnley’s steadfast leadership of the NDIA Board has helped guide and safeguard the scheme during a time of significant change.
 
“It is not a responsibility to be taken lightly, and Mr Fearnley has shown great stewardship  ensuring  the needs of NDIS participants, their families and carers are at the heart of the scheme.
 
“I would like to congratulate Mr Fearnley on his reappointment and look forward to continue working alongside him and the NDIA Board as we pave the way for a better, more inclusive future for all Australians.”
 
Quotes attributable to Minister McAllister:
 
“As a tireless advocate for the disability community, Mr Fearnley has used his platform to champion the voices and experiences of people with disability, ensuring the scheme continues to deliver for those who need it most.
 
“His work demonstrates the importance of disability leadership at all levels of decision-making and reinforces the importance of working alongside people with disability, their families and carers to drive meaningful change.”
 
Quotes attributable to Mr Kurt Fearnley AO, Chair of the NDIA Board:
 
“The NDIS is a world-leading system of support for people with disability. I’m proud to work with the Board, disability community and the government to ensure this scheme is delivering for Australians today and for generations to come.”