News
Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Dr Graeme Innes AM has been appointed Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board, following the resignation of Paralympian Kurt Fearnley AO.
The Australian Government announced the appointment today. Dr Innes, already a member of the NDIA Board, will take up the role on 17 December 2026 for a three-year term.
The government has also appointed two new board members, Glenn Keys AO and Dr Kim Isaacs, to fill existing vacancies.
Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the NDIS Mark Butler said Dr Innes brought both governance experience and lived experience of disability to the role.
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.
Minister Mark Butler
Dr Innes is a lawyer, author and company director with 30 years’ experience as a human rights practitioner. He served as Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner for nine years and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the rights of people with disability.
He said his focus would be on participants.
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.
Dr Graeme Innes AM
Fearnley, who has chaired the board for four years, said he was stepping down to spend more time with his family.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Minister for the NDIS Jenny McAllister said the appointment came during a period of significant change for the scheme.
“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,” Senator McAllister said.
“His leadership will help the NDIA remain focused on the needs of NDIS participants while becoming more sustainable.”
Both ministers thanked Fearnley for his service, with the government crediting his leadership for supporting the board’s oversight of the agency through substantial reform.
Of the new members, Keys is a business leader, disability advocate and parent of a person with disability, with expertise in financial management, corporate governance and large-scale service delivery.
Dr Isaacs is a general practitioner and a Yawuru, Karajarri and Noongar woman who advocates for better outcomes for First Nations communities. She brings experience in rural and remote service delivery and Aboriginal primary health care.
The NDIA Board oversees the strategic direction, governance and performance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.