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New NDIA Board Chair Announced: What It Means for NDIS Participants
Author: Matt Clements
The Australian Government has announced new appointments to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board.
Dr Graeme Innes AM will become the new NDIA Board Chair on 17 December 2026, following the resignation of Kurt Fearnley AO.
Two other Board members have also been appointed.
Here's what has changed and what it means for NDIS participants.
Who is the new NDIA Board Chair?
Dr Graeme Innes AM is a lawyer, disability rights advocate and former Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
He is already a member of the NDIA Board and has many years of experience in disability rights, leadership and governance.
His appointment as Chair begins on 17 December 2026 and runs for three years.
In the Australian Government's announcement, Dr Innes said:
"My priority will be ensuring that the NDIS upholds the rights of participants, and delivers meaningful, sustainable outcomes."
Who else has been appointed?
The Government has also appointed two new Board members:
- Glenn Keys AO: A business leader, disability advocate and parent of a person with disability. He brings experience in financial management, governance and service delivery.
- Dr Kim Isaacs: A general practitioner and advocate for better outcomes for First Nations communities. A Yawuru, Karajarri and Noongar woman, she brings experience in Aboriginal primary health care and rural and remote services.
These appointments bring a range of professional and lived experiences to the NDIA Board.
What does the NDIA Board do?
The NDIA Board oversees the Agency responsible for running the NDIS.
Think of the Board as the group helping set the direction, while NDIA staff manage day-to-day operations.
The Board's responsibilities include:
- Setting the Agency's strategic direction.
- Overseeing governance and performance.
- Supporting the Scheme's financial sustainability.
- Ensuring the Agency works towards better outcomes for participants.
You can learn more on the official NDIA Board website.
Will this change my NDIS plan or funding?
These Board appointments do not themselves change your NDIS plan, funding or supports.
The announcement is about leadership at the NDIA, not changes to individual participant plans.
You do not need to take any action because of these appointments.
Other NDIS reforms are happening separately, so it is important to understand the difference between a leadership announcement and a change to Scheme rules.
For more information, read Kismet's Latest NDIS Changes Explained guide.
What happens next?
Dr Innes will begin his new role on 17 December 2026.
His appointment comes during a period of ongoing NDIS reform, with a focus on financial sustainability, participant outcomes and service delivery.
These themes were also discussed at Kismet's recent Care Innovation Symposium at Parliament House.
At that event, Kismet and the Business Council of Australia launched a report outlining five practical recommendations for a stronger NDIS.
Kismet's commitment to keeping participants informed
At Kismet, we believe people with disability should have access to clear and reliable information about the NDIS.
Changes to leadership, policies and Scheme operations can sometimes be confusing.
We want to make these updates easier to understand so participants and their families can make informed decisions about their supports.
We will continue sharing important NDIS news as changes are announced.
Need help understanding your NDIS plan?
Kismet helps participants understand their funding, manage provider invoices and navigate plan management with confidence.