We’re excited to introduce the new members of the Every Australian Counts Steering Committee! This group of passionate advocates, leaders, and community voices will be guiding our work to strengthen the NDIS and ensure it delivers meaningful support. Each member brings unique insights and lived experiences, and together they will help us drive our campaigns forward.

Meet the Team:

• Dr George Taleporos – Independent Chair
  A well known disability rights advocate and the independent chair of Every Australian Counts since 2022, George has over 20 years of experience as a disability rights advocate. George was involved in establishing the NDIS and is deeply committed to ensuring the NDIS upholds the human rights of people with disability. George hosts the Reasonable and Necessary podcast featuring the latest news and policy analysis on the NDIS and is a strong voice for self-directed supports and self-management. 
  • “I’m incredibly honoured to announce the appointment of such a passionate and diverse group of advocates to the Every Australian Counts Steering Committee. Together, our committee members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to upholding the key principles of the NDIS. I’m confident that, with this team and alongside our large and vocal community of supporters, we can campaign for an effective NDIS that delivers choice and control and reasonable and necessary support for people with disability.”
• Nick Avery
  CEO of South West Autism Network (SWAN) and Board member of Self Manager Hub, Nick is a dedicated advocate with more than 20 years of experience in the WA disability sector. An autistic, physically disabled parent of two autistic young adults, she self-manages all three of their NDIS plans. Known as an “NDIS nerd,” Nick focuses on improving support for participants in regional and metropolitan areas, ensuring a participant-first approach to the scheme.
• Ross Joyce
  CEO of AFDO and a seasoned leader in healthcare, community services, and advocacy, Ross has a long-standing commitment to inclusion and equity. With extensive experience in driving innovation and strategic change, Ross’s leadership is shaped by personal experiences of long term living with chronic pain & restricted mobility following a car accident and supporting a family member through mental health challenges and support systems. He brings a wealth of expertise and a passionate voice to the committee.
• Muriel Cummins
  A values-driven leader and award-winning occupational therapist, Muriel is a fierce advocate for human rights and equitable support for people with disability, including those with psychosocial and invisible disabilities. Her work promotes inclusive living arrangements and co-designed policy reform, and she has been a persistent voice calling for the NDIS to deliver on its promise as Australia’s disability safety net.
• Heidi La Paglia
  An Autistic and disabled advocate, Heidi brings over a decade of experience in disability rights, gender equality, and violence prevention. Founder of her own consultancy, she works to dismantle systemic discrimination and ensure reforms align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Heidi is passionate about addressing gender and caregiving impacts within the NDIS and ensuring safeguards against violence and discrimination.
• Mei-Leng Hooi
  A CaLD advocate with personal and professional insight into the barriers faced by people with disability, Mei-Leng’s journey began after her sister’s acquired brain disorder and her own life-changing accident. She combines her background in psychology, marketing, and social media with her lived experience to advocate for fairer NDIS policies and representation for culturally diverse communities.
• Mark Pietsch
  NSW State Director for Physical Disability Australia, Mark is a seasoned advocate with expertise in policy, campaign management, and support coordination. Living with a musculoskeletal movement disorder, autism, and ADHD, Mark champions the rights of NDIS participants and brings a strong focus on human rights, inclusion, and equitable policy reform to the Steering Committee.

The steering committee will play a vital role in shaping Every Australian Counts’ advocacy to ensure the NDIS delivers on its promise to support all Australians with disability.