Members only event: Post Weather Event Review Forum – Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred
You’re invited!
QDN recognises the challenges faced by people with disability before, during and after a weather event and we want to ensure your experiences contribute to meaningful change.
We invite you, our members, to participate in this forum to share your experiences and feedback.
Your input will help shape QDN’s recommendations and feedback to key decision makers to improve preparedness, response and recovery actions into the future for people with disability.
Forum details:
Date: Thursday, 17 July 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Online Zoom (link will be sent out prior to forum)
Who is this for: QDN Members in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba and surrounding areas
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/post-weather-event-review-forum-cyclone-alfred
Thank you in advance for your time and willingness to contribute to this important conversation.
Inclusion Matters Forum – Putting inclusion into action
Join us at QDN’s Inclusion Matters Forum to explore how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened—by everyone.
Inclusion Matters forums, hosted by QDN Peer Leaders showcase what real inclusion looks like across the seven outcome areas of Australia’s Disability Strategy. Join people with disability, families, allies and organisations as we share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building stronger, more inclusive communities – together.
About the forums:
- Hear from local leaders and change makers about what works and what’s needed next.
- Join conversations about how we can make inclusion stronger across housing, employment, education, health, transport, and community life.
- Turning good ideas into real change – share your insights and shape inclusion in the community.
What is Australia’s Disability Strategy?
Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 (ADS) is a national framework that all Australian governments have signed up to. It sets out a plan for continuing to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over 10 years.
The topics for the Forums are linked to the Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) 7 outcome areas.
To find out about these outcome areas, or if you would like to attend a forum, follow this link: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/inclusion-matters/
Bright Sparks Workshops
QDN is running 48 Bright Sparks workshops across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay. The workshops focus on practical ways to reduce electricity bills without compromising health and wellbeing. These workshops are for people with disability and will be delivered both in-person and online. An additional 12 workshops will be delivered by Multicultural Australia. The Bight Sparks project is funded by the Department of Energy and Climate.
If you would like to attend a Bright Sparks workshop, follow the link below to find one near you.
https://qdn.org.au/our-work/bright-sparks-2024-25/
Community Resilience and Climate Survey and Story Form
Are you located in Livingstone, Gladstone, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg or Rockhampton?
If you are, we want to hear from people with disability, families, allies and carers, disability, advocacy and community organisations about your experiences and ideas to improve health, community and disaster resilience.
We want to know -
- How have climate hazards (heat, floods and bushfires etc) impacted you?
- What challenges have you faced in accessing health care and support during these times?
- What is working well in your local community?
- What ideas do you have to build community resilience - and what role can you play?
Share your story here: https://forms.office.com/r/XPDKjTxHcY
Please note, you can only fill out this story form if you are from Livingstone, Gladstone, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg or Rockhampton.
QDeNgage consultants help shape inclusive future for Lahore Park
Lahore Park in Woody Point is on track to become a more inclusive and accessible community space, thanks to the involvement of six QDeNgage consultants with lived experience of disability.
As part of the City of Moreton Bay’s Reimagining Lahore Park project, our consultants took part in a community workshop to inform the park’s redesign, helping to test the principles of the new 10-year Moreton Bay Play Plan.
Currently lacking play equipment and basic amenities, Lahore Park offers a blank slate for transformation.
Through co-design, the goal is to create a welcoming, diverse play space shaped by community voices, ensuring it meets the needs of all ages and abilities for years to come.
Thank you to our consultants who took part in this important inclusive community shaping project.
If you'd like to follow the project, and also to have a say, please visit the link below to fill in the survey (open until 6 July 2025). https://yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/reimaginingLahorePark
Vale Craig Johnstone
QDN member Donna Best, paid tribute to late QDN member Craig Johnstone. Click the link below to read the statement. Craig was a member of QDN from the early days and was a regular contributor to discussions, consultations and helping inform QDN’s work, and a long-time and valued member of the Brisbane Hot Topics Group.
Click here to read Donna's lovely words: https://qdn.org.au/vale-craig-johnstone/
The Centre’s 2025 conference – registrations open
QDN is a proud member of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability (The Centre). The Centre are holding their 2025 conference on 3-4 of July, registrations are now open. The conference theme is ‘Working together every step of the way’ and will explore ways to rethink healthcare for people with intellectual disability.
This conference will be based in Sydney but you can attend online.
When: Thursday 3 and Friday 4 July 2025
Where: Online or in person at Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney
Find out more and register: https://nceidh.org.au/conference-2025
Have your say
Changes to NDIS Rules
The Commonwealth Government is working on reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to make sure it can continue to support people with permanent and significant disability for generations to come.
Last year, the Australian Parliament passed changes to the NDIS Act. These changes set the direction for how the NDIS will improve.
It created the structure for new rules to improve the way people experience the NDIS.
These rules will help make the NDIS fair, strong and sustainable.
Department of Social Services (DSS) is working closely with the NDIA, state and territory governments, and with people with disability, to create these new rules and they have been working with national disability organisations to prepare for public consultation on NDIS Supports.
Find out more about the new rules, on Changes to NDIS legislation page.
NDIS Supports consultation
Consultation on NDIS Supports is now open. You can have your say by filling out the survey or making a submission.
DSS have developed some resources to help you have your say on NDIS Supports:
- NDIS Supports discussion paper
- NDIS Supports discussion paper – Easy Read version
- NDIS Supports discussion paper – Auslan version
- What we’ve heard paper – a summary of what we’ve heard so far from disability organisations about NDIS Supports
If you would like support to complete the survey over the phone, you can call the DSS Complaints phoneline 1800 634 035, leave a message and we will call you back. Please include in your message:
- Your first name
- Your contact number
- The best time for us to call you back That your call is about the NDIS Supports consultation.
NDIS Supports webinar
To help people taking part in the consultation, DSS are holding a public webinar to provide information about the NDIS Supports rules.
Date: Tuesday 24 June
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
NDIS Rules consultation
May
Disability sector engagement on NDIS Supports
June
16 June – 27 July: Public consultation on NDIS Supports
24 June: Public webinar on NDIS supports
July
Disablity sector engagement on new framework plans to prepare for public consultation in August
Have Your Say: NDIS Changes and Mental Health Support
The University of Sydney wants to hear from people with experience of the NDIS about how recent changes - including the ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1’ law changes - are affecting those with mental health support needs.
If you use the NDIS or are a family member, carer, or nominee of someone who does, you can take part in this 10–20 minute survey before it closes on Monday 30 June 2025. Your answers will help improve future services and will be shared with the NDIA, but your personal information will stay private. This is not a paid survey.
To take part, click here: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=NLETYCHJAFFRJ4J3
Issues that matter
QDN members are encouraged to reach out to the policy team to be involved in our submission writing. Email qdn@qdn.org.au or call 1300 363 783 to have a conversation with the policy team.
Submissions the policy team has completed since the last e-news
- Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Submissions the policy team are currently working on
- Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland
Other news
QDN members have been advocating for older people with disability around the challenges for people who have or acquire disability over the age of 65. Older people with disability should continue to receive consistent and continued support at all stages including end of life palliative care. QDN members call for reform around supported decision making and education for the systems that support our older people with disability as well as a national adult safeguarding framework and independent adult safeguarding bodies.
This week QDN CEO Michelle Moss spoke at the public hearing for the Education, Arts and Communities Committee Inquiry into Elder Abuse.
Submission link - https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/com/EDUCATIONA-7015/DFVPOLAB20-3862/submissions/00000051.pdf
NDIS updates
Disability Ministers Meet to Progress Reform Agenda
Commonwealth and state and territory ministers with responsibility for disability policy meet regularly through the Disability Reform Ministerial Council (DRMC). The DRMC reports to National Cabinet, signifying the importance government places on matters affecting people with disability.
The DRMC discusses ways to improve and implement policy through:
- Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS)
- the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
On 6 June 2025, the DRMC met in Adelaide to advance national disability reform efforts. Key outcomes included endorsing the 2025–26 Work Plan for the new NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee, approving membership for the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee, and discussing NDIS pricing to better support people with high needs, including those in regional areas. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Disability Royal Commission recommendations and will endorse the Biannual Report out of session by August. https://www.dss.gov.au/councils/resource/communique-6-june-2025
NDIS 2025 – 26 Prices Released
From 1 July 2025, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is making changes to pricing so that NDIS participants pay similar rates to others using Medicare or private health insurance. Disability support worker pay will go up by 3.95% to match wage increases, making sure workers get fair pay. Therapy prices are also changing because some NDIS participants have been paying much more than other Australians for the same services. The NDIA used a huge amount of new data to make these changes, ensuring fairer costs while keeping the market strong. As more service providers enter the system, pricing will continue to evolve to meet participants' needs while making sure supports remain high quality and affordable. Fairer and more equitable pricing for NDIS participants | NDIS
Changes to your NDIS Plan – Funding periods from 19 May 2025
From 19 May 2025, new funding periods will apply to NDIS plans, starting only when you receive a new plan. Funding periods decide when and how much of your funding you can use and help manage risks like running out of funds or financial exploitation. The NDIA will consider your preferences, past spending, and any risks of harm or fraud. Some supports—like therapy, home changes, or assistive technology—may need funding earlier in the plan. To prepare for your planning meeting, think about what funding timing works best, how you’ll manage your budget, and talk to your support coordinator. More information is available now on the NDIS website.
A risk-based approach to managing complaints, incidents and enquiries
The NDIS Commission is introducing a more consistent, risk-based approach to managing complaints, incidents and enquiries. From later this year, lower-risk matters may be referred to providers to resolve locally and promptly, allowing the Commission to focus on serious or systemic issues that pose significant risks to participants’ safety, wellbeing or rights. Providers must have accessible and effective complaints processes and actively support people with disability to raise concerns. Participants can still contact the Commission at any time. This shift to a systemic, risk-responsive model reflects the increasing volume of complaints and aims to improve the quality and safety of the sector. Visit the NDIA Commission website for more information on Complaints Management and Incident Management.
Why NDIS providers cannot offer independent advocacy
NDIS providers are not allowed to offer independent advocacy, as defined under the NDIS Act 2013, which states that advocacy must be independent of the NDIS Agency, Commission, and all providers. This applies even if the advocacy is free or the participant is not receiving other supports from the provider. Any provider—registered or unregistered—offering or advertising independent advocacy may breach the NDIS Code of Conduct and could face regulatory action. It’s important that all stakeholders understand the clear distinction between service delivery and independent advocacy. More information is available on the NDIS website.
To learn more about the distinction between NDIS service delivery and independent advocacy, please visit NDIS Service Provision vs Independent Advocacy – what’s the difference?
NEW Resource: Things to consider when choosing a Platform Provider
The NDIS Commission has released a new resource to help participants make informed choices about using Platform Providers. The infographic outlines five key areas to consider, based on findings from the Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers in the NDIS Market. As pricing, policies, and procedures can vary widely between providers, it’s important that participants and their supporters carefully review these differences. The resource is available in both standard and Easy Read formats.
Platform Providers – things to consider Infographic
Platform Providers – things to consider Easy Read
Quality Roadmap
The NDIS Commission has developed a Quality Roadmap to help participants, providers, and workers understand what quality supports and services mean within the NDIS. The roadmap highlights key drivers and features of quality and is designed to work alongside other resources aimed at improving outcomes for NDIS participants. Download the Quality Roadmap.
Survey About Changes to the NDIS – Closes Friday 27 June 2025
The NDIA wants to hear from people who use the NDIS, or who are family members, carers, or plan nominees, about how recent changes to the NDIS are working. This 10 to 15-minute survey asks how the changes have affected you, what worked well, what didn’t, and how the NDIS can be improved. Your feedback will be used to help make the NDIS better, and a report will be shared later this year combining feedback from this and a separate staff survey. The survey is not paid, and your personal information will be kept private. If you have questions, you can email research@ndis.gov.au. To do the survey, click here: https://myform.ndis.gov.au/?src=https://forms.apps.ndia.gov.au/jpgbthlbzknpuvv/participantexperiencesurvey&org=ndis&theme=ndis.
Other Policy updates
Health: NDIS Moves to New Department – Changes Ahead
Following the federal election, the NDIS now sits within the new Department of Health, Aged Care and Disability. Mark Butler MP is now Minister for Health and the NDIS, and Senator Jenny McAllister is the dedicated Minister for the NDIS. The Every Australian Counts campaign is calling for meaningful co-design, stronger sector unity, and greater attention to trauma-informed reform. Ministerial arrangements | Prime Minister of Australia
Transport: Brisbane’s New Bus Network Starts 30 June – What You Need to Know
From Monday 30 June, major changes are coming to Brisbane’s bus network, including the launch of the Brisbane Metro M1 service (Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street). With over 70% of routes changing, you may need to transfer, change stops, take a different route, or check new timetables. To prepare, visit Translink’s Brisbane’s New Bus Network page to search your route and plan your trip. You can also get in-person support at one of several pop-up sessions across Brisbane or book a session by contacting the Brisbane Metro team at 1800 692 333 or metro@brisbane.qld.gov.au. A video and fact sheet on metro accessibility features are also available to help you feel confident using the new services.
Housing: Major Reset of Public Housing System Starts 1 July 2025
The Queensland Government has announced a major reset of the social housing system to ensure homes are better targeted to those most in need, including the return of annual rent and eligibility reviews from 1 July 2025. With concerns raised about high-income households accessing subsidised housing while thousands remain on the waitlist, the reforms aim to restore fairness, encourage voluntary downsizing and improve oversight. QDN acknowledges the importance of ensuring social housing reaches those who need it most and will be closely watching this space to ensure the rights, needs, and housing security of people with disability are upheld throughout the implementation of these changes. See more here: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102721
Aged Care: Deferral of New Aged Care Act to 1 November
Significant aged care reform is underway following the Royal Commission’s recommendations. A new Aged Care Act is expected to commence in November 2025, focused on rights-based care, transparency, and quality improvement. The draft Aged Care Quality Standards were released for public consultation earlier this year, and there's increasing overlap between aged care and disability sectors, especially for younger people in residential aged care.
Mental Health: National Agreement Still in Development
Work continues on the new National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. Stakeholders are calling for a shift toward community-based, early intervention models that prioritise lived experience and integrated care. Queensland Health is also updating its Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Plan to reflect these national goals. Advocacy groups are stressing the need to address access barriers for people with intellectual, cognitive, and psychosocial disability.
