eNews Wednesday 21 January
What's on?
QDN Member Feedback Survey Winners
QDN would like to thank all members who completed the Member Feedback Survey – your input is extremely valuable and will help shape the future of QDN. We would also like to congratulate the four survey winners who were drawn following the completion of the member survey period. These survey winners reside across various regions of Queensland including the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and Mt Isa.
QDN is finalising a report for members highlighting key findings from the survey.
QDN Forums
Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2025 Forum
QDN will be hosting a forum on Thursday 5 February 2026 from 1pm to 2pm. The forum will discuss key trends and findings that stand out about shaping future direction.
This yearly report explores the experiences of people with disability in Queensland by highlighting what is working well and key challenges across multiple areas including employment, housing, safety, rights and justice, and more. The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report is developed using the responses of hundreds of survey participants who have disabilities as well as their families, carers and disability organisations.
To learn more about this forum and register to attend, head to the QDN website: https://events.humanitix.com/voice-of-queenslanders-with-disability-report-2025-forum
My Housing Options Information Sessions
These sessions have been co-designed and are co-delivered by QDN members. There is a focus on supporting people with disability through their housing journey, using person-centred housing conversations.
These events are for:
- people with disability, their families and supporters
- organisations and workers who support people with disability.
Multiple sessions will be delivered in person and online across metropolitan, regional and rural Queensland.
To learn more, or register for an information session, head to the QDN website: https://qdn.org.au/my-housing-options-information-sessions/
Policy Submissions
In-progress
Administration of the NDIS Inquiry
The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Auditing will be reviewing the NDIA’s delivery of the NDIS scheme. The review will be looking at the financial sustainability of the scheme and how well NDIS providers or self-managed participants are following funding claim requirements. This consultation will also assess the performance of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission, as well as the auditing and monitoring completed by the NDIA.
If you are interested in finding out more, please follow this link: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Public_Accounts_and_Audit/Inquiry_into_the_administration_of_the_National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme
Consultation is scheduled to close on Friday 30 January 2026.
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) Act Review
The Queensland Government is reviewing the QCAT Act. This review will look at QCAT objectives including whether QCAT is meeting its objectives, if the objectives need updating, and if there are any barriers that prevent QCAT from meeting its objectives. The review will also examine the current appeal process as well as the role and structure of QCAT’s leadership team.
If you are interested in finding out more, please follow this link: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/qcat-act-review-2025-26/about-the-review
Consultation is scheduled to close on Saturday 31 January 2026.
Policy Updates
Health
$14.5 million investment in GP training
The Australian Government has announced that $14.5 million will be invested to provide an additional 306 General Practitioner (GP) places at the Australian General Practice Training program. The aim of this initiative is a 14% increase in the number of GP’s who complete this training in 2026, including GPs in regional and remote areas. The $14.5 million commitment is also part of the Albanese Government’s $662.6 million plan to strengthen Medicare and grow the primary healthcare workforce.
Learn more here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/145-million-investment-to-deliver-record-number-of-gps-trained?language=en
More transit lounges to help ease pressure on Queensland’s busiest hospitals
The Queensland Government has announced 30 new treatment spaces will be developed across Queensland hospitals. This expansion is part of the Queensland Government’s second phase of the hospital transit lounge expansion and Easier Access to Health Services Plan. The new treatment spaces aim to help improve patient flow and reduce ambulance ramping by refurbishing, relocating and expanding transit lounges at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Rockhampton Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital.
Learn more here: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104303
NDIS
Thriving Kids Report – No Child Left behind
On 22 December 2025, the Australian Government released its report into the Thriving Kids inquiry. Titled ‘No Child Left Behind’ the report includes the following recommendations:
- A Thriving Kids Advisory Group be created to help undertake an inclusive co-design process.
- The Thriving Kids initiative be implemented in phases and that the Thriving Kids Advisory Group consider appropriate safeguards to prevent loss of supports for children.
- The Australian Government establish an Inspector-General of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Read the full report here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Disability/ThrivingKidsinitiative/Report_into_the_Thriving_Kids_initiative
NDIS new framework planning: what we heard summary report
The NDIA has published a new report which contains feedback on the proposed NDIS changes, including the new framework planning. Some of the feedback from disability representatives included:
- Wanting to know if the I-CAN tool has been tested with diverse groups.
- Wanting clear information about who will do the support needs assessments, as well as the training they will receive.
- Wanting the same right to appeal NDIS plan decisions.
The NDIA has stated that they will use the feedback that they have received to inform the drafting of new planning rules and public consultation processes.
Read the full report here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/ndis-new-framework-planning-what-we-heard-summary-report?language=en
From our Friends
Policy updates regarding other peak bodies
My Cerebral Palsy Guide Launched
Cerebral Palsy Alliance has released an online resource to better understand and get support for cerebral palsy. The guide contains information about assessment and diagnosis, assistive technology and equipment, health and wellbeing, employment, work, relationships, services, and more.
To view this online resource, click here: https://www.mycpguide.org.au/info-resources
Beyond Shelter 2026 Online Event
Q Shelter is hosting a free online event on February 5, 2026, to discuss housing, homelessness, and workforce plans and updates. Multiple topics will be covered including submissions that Q Shelter has completed, opportunities to build your capacity within the housing sector, and information about the Thrive At Work Summit.
To register for this event or learn more, click here: https://shorturl.at/LH128
Stories
QDN’s policy team wants to hear about the issues impacting your lives. If you have a story to share, you can fill out the story form on our website.
QDN Membership – Spread the word
Do you know someone who should be a QDN member? Share this link them so they can have their voice heard and connect with peers and support networks across Queensland.
QDN Membership Application: https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/