Controversial NDIA chief executive quits after Labor win

A second agency boss has resigned just weeks after the election of a Labor government.

The controversial boss of the National Disability Insurance Agency has resigned amid speculation of his future under a Labor government.

Martin Hoffman confirmed on Wednesday he would step down from agency, which manages the National Disability Insurance Scheme, on July 2.

“It has been an absolute privilege to have served in this role for the last three years,” he said.

Mr Hoffman will step down from the role in the coming weeks. Picture: Twitter

“I wish the Scheme, and its participants, families, carers and providers all the very best for the future. I thank the amazing staff of the Agency for their dedication and support.”

While in opposition, new NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, repeatedly lashed the chief executive’s handling of the scheme, including cuts to packages and roll out of independent assessments.

Mr Shorten thanked Mr Hoffman for his service and wished him well in his next endeavour.

“A new chief executive will be appointed in a timely fashion in the coming months,” he added.

In a statement, the NDIA said it had accepted his resignation “with regret”.

NDIA board chairman Denis Napthine commended Mr Hoffaman for his leadership.

New NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has lashed Mr Hoffman in the past. Picture: Alison Wynd

“During Martin’s leadership the NDIS completed the full transition from the old systems – and grew dramatically with now more than 520,000 participants benefiting from the Scheme,“ Dr Napthine said.

“He led the Agency with passion, grace and commitment, including managing through the impacts of the Covid pandemic.”

NDIA deputy CEO Lisa Studdert will act as chief executive while a recruitment process is undertaken to appoint a new chief executive.

Advocates say this person would ideally be a person with a disability.

People with Disability Australia stressed the new boss should focus on cultural change and “true independence” from government.

"Mr Hoffman’s resignation provides an opportunity to reflect on how many people with disability are employed at the agency at the senior tiers of management and within the ranks of outsourced labour hire.” - PWDA President Samantha Connor. PWDA wishes Mr Hoffman all the best.

— PWD Australia (PWDA) (@PWDAustralia) June 8, 2022

“We hope that the CEO role will be filled by a person with disability and that the role and any future roles will be weighted heavily towards disabled people,” president Samantha Connor said.

“The idea that appointments for executive roles within the NDIA be based on executive performance rather than lived experience of disability is outdated thinking.”

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, who lives with a disability, agreed. He accused Mr Hoffman of breaking trust with the community.

“His resignation will bring so much relief to the disability community,” the Senator said.

“The next CEO must rebuild this trust. This process will take time and actions will speak louder than words.

The next CEO must also demonstrate a commitment to working with disabled people and our organisations to authentically co-design solutions to #FixOurNDIS. And, ideally, this person will be a disabled person.

— Senator Jordon Steele-John (@SenatorJordon) June 8, 2022

Mr Hoffman is the second agency head to resign since Labor took power.

Gary Johns, the head of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission who was appointed by the former coalition government, resigned last week.

Originally published as Controversial NDIA chief executive quits after Labor win