What the NDIS can do to help make the lives of disabled people more valued, equal and inclusive
Posted on: Sat 2 Dec 2023
Over the last twelve months, former Australian paralympic wheelchair racer, media pundit, podcaster and public speaker, Kurt Fearnley AO has alighted himself into the pivotal role of Chairman on the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board, dealing with endless consultations, meetings, public events and formal networking engagements with politicians and other stakeholders, including disability community groups, lobby groups, service providers, federal government committees and non-profit organisations, without daring to lose his composure, patience or temperament.
Now a weary but good humoured and blessed father of four children, Fearnley hasn’t negated in fulfilling his commitments, responsibilities, and obligations that are quintessential to someone tasked with increasing representation of the lived experience of those with disabilities that never took priority within the managerial and operational factions of the NDIA until the Minister for the NDIS, The Honourable Bill Shorten MP decided to appoint Fearnley to lead the board in September 2022 to increase leadership visibility, set up the strategic direction of the agency, ensure positive outcomes for NDIS recipients into the future and rebuild public trust with the disability community.
Fearnley shares more with De-Stigmatised‘s Jarad McLoughlin, particularly why it is he can not understate the privilege in becoming the Chairman does far outweigh the emotional gravity of anxiety and nervousness he might have felt with taking charge of the board.
Produced by Jarad McLoughlin
Photo supplied by Kurt Fearnley AO
