VALiD Having a Say Conference: A Key Event for the Disability Community

The VALiD Having a Say Conference is more than just an annual gathering. It has become one of the most important events in Australia’s disability sector, creating a safe and empowering space for people with disabilities to speak up, be heard, and influence meaningful change. 

Held each January, this event brings together NDIS participants, disability advocates, carers, service providers, government representatives, and members of the wider community.

As we reflect on the 2024 conference, it’s clear how central this event is to the ongoing transformation of disability services in Australia. Not only does it promote genuine inclusion and community participation, but it also plays a significant role in influencing NDIS policy, compliance expectations, and the future of service delivery.

What Is the VALiD Having a Say Conference?

Organised by VALID (Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability), the Having a Say Conference attracts more than 500 attendees each year. It is a space where people with lived experience take centre stage, using their voices to talk about what matters most to them—whether it's access, inclusion, housing, employment, or the quality of services they receive.

The 2024 event welcomed a strong presence from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, showing the Commission’s commitment to supporting the rights and wellbeing of NDIS participants. The conference’s open dialogue helps guide providers, auditors, and consultants on how to deliver services that truly meet participants’ needs.

To read more about the conference itself, visit the VALiD Having a Say Conference page.

NDIS Commission’s Engagement: Leadership, Learning, and Listening

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is a key part of the NDIS framework. It monitors provider performance, supports participant rights, and helps raise the standard of services across the country. At the 2024 VALiD Conference, the Commission played a visible and active role.

You can learn more about the Commission’s responsibilities at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission information page.

Key Figures in Attendance

Several high-profile leaders attended the 2024 conference to show their commitment to inclusive policy development:

• Commissioner Louise Glanville, who leads the NDIS Commission’s work in strengthening quality and safeguards. Read more about Commissioner Louise Glanville.
  
• Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade, a respected disability advocate and policy expert, who also spoke on the importance of improving communication with NDIS participants. Read more about Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade.
  
• Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving services. Learn more about Minister Amanda Rishworth.
  
• Victorian Minister for Disability, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, who highlighted the importance of state-level support for people with disability. Find out more about Lizzie Blandthorn.
  

The Commission’s booth at the conference was a key feature, drawing attendees keen to speak directly with staff, ask questions, and share feedback.

Strengthening Communication and Feedback

One of the most impactful moments at the conference was a 30-minute workshop hosted by the NDIS Commission. This session focused on how participants prefer to receive information, and how future communication can be made clearer and more accessible.

Workshops like this support continuous improvement and transparency, helping the Commission—and NDIS providers—to deliver information in ways that suit people’s needs. These discussions also assist in identifying service gaps and guiding providers in how to better meet compliance standards.

This kind of direct participant feedback is essential for NDIS internal auditors, NDIS approved quality auditors, and NDIS consultants to use when doing their work. It helps inform policy changes, registration decisions, and the development of services that are not only compliant but participant-led.

The Conference and Its Influence on NDIS Providers

While the Having a Say Conference is deeply participant-focused, it also delivers strong learning opportunities for NDIS providers and businesses looking to register or maintain compliance.

For existing or aspiring providers, the event sheds light on:

• The importance of gap analysis in identifying where service delivery or systems might fall short of NDIS Practice Standards.
• The growing demand for NDIS internal auditor services, which help providers understand where improvements are needed.
• Why NDIS approved quality auditors are essential for maintaining a trustworthy and high-performing sector.
• The value of NDIS auditor training to ensure audits are accurate, fair, and focused on outcomes that benefit participants.

Additionally, service providers gain insight into what participants are experiencing on the ground, how to prepare for audits, and what participants actually value in their support teams.

Lessons for Future NDIS Business Owners

If you’re planning to enter the sector, the VALiD Conference is a reminder of why thoughtful preparation matters. The NDIS market is not only competitive—it’s heavily regulated. 

Understanding how to apply for NDIS, what the NDIS business registration process requires, and how to demonstrate alignment with participant needs is crucial.

This is where expert help becomes valuable. A skilled NDIS consultant can guide businesses through every step—from applying, to policy creation, to preparing for audits.

If you’re unsure where to start, or need help making sure your application and policies align with current requirements, we recommend reaching out to Posity Online for NDIS consultation services.

A Stronger Future Through Inclusion

The VALiD Having a Say Conference continues to be a beacon for positive change in the disability community. It champions the right of every person to be heard and involved in shaping their services. 

The presence of the NDIS Commission and government ministers at the 2024 conference underscored a shift toward deeper collaboration between policy-makers and the community.

For NDIS internal auditors, consultants, and providers, this collaboration helps shape a culture of quality, compliance, and care. For participants, it builds a more inclusive and responsive NDIS.

And for those considering launching a business in this space, or working toward improving their service quality, events like these are not just inspiring—they're essential sources of knowledge and connection.

How Posity Online Can Help

Staying up to date with regulatory changes and participant expectations can be complex. That’s why Posity Online is here to help your business grow the right way. Whether you need:

• Support with your NDIS business registration
• A complete gap analysis to assess your service delivery
• Help from a qualified NDIS internal auditor
• Access to NDIS approved quality auditors
• NDIS auditor training to prepare your team
• Practical, expert advice from an NDIS consultant
• Guidance on how to apply for NDIS and what you need to prepare

We offer trusted, experienced support. Let us help you meet your goals and provide high-quality services that meet both participant needs and Commission requirements.

• Contact Posity Online for NDIS Consultation Services
• Explore Our Compliance and Consulting Support
• Learn More About Our Internal Audit Services

Bottomline

The 2024 VALiD Having a Say Conference showed the power of lived experience, strong leadership, and honest conversation. For providers and professionals, it offered valuable insight into how we can all do better. 

For participants, it was a celebration of voice, visibility, and empowerment.

In a constantly changing sector, this type of engagement helps ensure the NDIS remains strong, fair, and inclusive. 

If you’re a provider, an auditor, or someone thinking about registering with the NDIS, let this event be your inspiration to listen more, act thoughtfully, and build a better future—one voice at a time.