Welcome to Summer Focus.

This month, Australia re-elected the Albanese Government for a second term. We congratulate the Hon. Mark Butler for his appointment as the Minister for Health and Ageing, Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Hon. Jenny McAllister for her appointment as Minister for the NDIS. We look forward to working with them to continue to reform the NDIS so it delivers for people with disability.

A key focus for this term will be the co-design and implementation of the support needs assessment, flexible budgets and foundational supports. This work is critical to delivering fair and consistent access to NDIS supports as well as timely and high-quality supports for people receiving supports outside of the NDIS.

Equally important is the urgent need to expand housing and support options for people with disability who have high support needs. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability exposed the violence, abuse and neglect occurring in group homes and recommended they be phased out.

Beyond the human cost, group homes are also placing significant financial pressure on the NDIS—costs that are projected to continue to rise in the years ahead.

At the Summer Foundation, we are exploring a range of high potential solutions that will deliver better outcomes for people with high support needs. We’ll soon release our first policy report under our new mission and purpose, outlining a national strategy to grow Individualised Living Arrangements across Australia.

This month, Focus also takes you behind the scenes on our recent photography shoot with the people we work with, including a special interview with one of our stars – Meghan Kyne.

In this issue, you’ll also read an article on our recently published study to understand the experience of family members supporting people with disability moving into Specialist Disability Accommodation.

We have also included a link to our most recent podcast with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioners Louise Glanville and Natalie Wade.

Enjoy the issue.

Di Winkler

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Lived Experience Profile – one of the stars of our Corporate Photography shoot

My name is Meghan and I’m 38 years old. I live in my home in Melbourne with my housemate and work at an Op Shop on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I liked having photos at my work. I felt fantastic seeing the photos, I did a good job. I like the photos and people can see what my life is like. I want to do it again next year!

Resources and Upcoming Workshops: Solving Problems in NDIS Housing

If you’re living in supported accommodation or supporting someone who is, the new ‘Solving Problems in NDIS Housing’ resources are now available to help with navigating NDIS housing issues. Come to a free online workshop in May to find out more about the resources and how to use them.

Lights, camera, action!

Come behind the scenes on the Summer Foundation’s recent photography shoot, as we refresh our visuals and feature greater diversity on our website, social media and publications. Our vibrant new imagery captures people with disability in their homes and communities, thriving and doing what they love, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.

Adjusting to change: Insights from family members as those they care for move into their own homes

As an invaluable source of caring know-how, family members can play a key role for people with disability in their move to individualised housing such as SDA. Learn how family members best share their knowledge during this transition, and how they can support new independent arrangements.

Livable Housing Design Standards in New South Wales – Summer Foundation Submission

The Summer Foundation attended a roundtable with the New South Wales government and stakeholders on increasing accessible housing. We also made a submission to inform the NSW approach to the adoption of the Livable Housing Design Standards in the National Construction Code 2022.

Opinion piece: It’s time for the daily traumas of group homes to end

Problems in group homes arise from segregated settings, lack of support, and an emphasis on control instead of empowerment, increasing risks of abuse and neglect. The federal government must invest in diverse housing options and halt the influx of people with disabilities into group homes.

From “toothless tiger” to “formidable” regulator: Is this a new era for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?

In this latest episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George Taleporos brings us an exclusive interview with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioners Louise Glanville and Natalie Wade. Louise and Natalie deliver a powerful call to action for the safety, rights and dignity of people with disability. They also discuss the future of the Commission and the impact of upcoming changes to NDIS regulation.

Summer Foundation Focus – May 2025