Australia’s Disability Strategy  

Fourth Annual Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 Outcomes Framework released  

The fourth annual outcomes framework report for the Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 has been released. The report focused on 32 outcome areas that were identified in the original strategy.  

Of the 32 areas reviewed, 12 showed improvement, 10 showed no change and 10 showed regression from previous years. 

For more information on the report, please see the link: https://www.aihw.gov.au/australias-disability-strategy.  

Carers 

Listening Together project releases report on young carers and young people with disability  

The Listening Together project has released its findings on research that explored how young people with disability and young carers are being listened to in their day to day lives.  

The report showed that young people want to be listened to with respect and support however they reported that: 

• There were often limited opportunities for co-design and advisory involvement 
• Significant gaps between their desire to give feedback and chances to do so. 
• Some services could be flexible, but others could be inflexible, difficult to engage and untrustworthy.  

For more information on the report please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/3MrCiy2  

Health  

National Dementia Action Plan: Collective Priority Framework 2025-2027 

The Department of Health has released the National Dementia Action Plan: Collective Priority Framework 2025-2027.  

The framework outlines the first stage of the national approach to implementation of the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034 for the next three years and is designed to help focus and align efforts on priority areas.  

For more information, please see the following link: https://bit.ly/4rWvlUP  

NDIS 

ACCC Releases Report Highlighting Risk of Exploitation by NDIS Providers  

On Tuesday 10 February, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released a report highlighting that NDIS participants were being targeted by NDIS providers undertaking deceptive practices that are banned by consumer law.  

Some of the key issues identified in NDIS markets included: 

• False and misleading advertising by providers  
• Providers not honouring consumer guarantee protections  
• Issues with contracts, such as providers failing to provide clear written contracts or including unfair terms 

For more information and a link to the final report please follow the link https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/australians-living-with-disability-at-risk-of-exploitation-by-ndis-providers-breaching-consumer-laws  

Government Reveals Thriving Kids Model  

A report from the Thriving Kids Advisory Group has outlined the proposed model for the Thriving Kids program which is now scheduled to begin rolling out in October 2026. To support the development of Thriving Kids, the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, established the Thriving Kids Advisory Group (the Advisory Group). The Advisory Group was co-chaired by Minister Butler, and Professor Frank Oberklaid AM, an eminent and internationally respected paediatrician from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Members of the Advisory Group included experts from across the fields of paediatrics, child development, research, disability, child and family services, parenting, health care, and early education and schools. The Advisory Group also included First Nations perspectives and members with current lived experience, and state and territory government representatives. 

The Advisory Group has identified the following principles that should be used as part of the delivery of the program. 

• Child-centred, family-centred and strengths-based 
• Evidence-informed 
• Focused on everyday settings 
• Collaborative, holistic and integrated 
• Focused on outcomes 
• Flexible, accessible and culturally safe, with multiple entry pathways 
• Enabling workforce development  

If you would like to read the report please review the link here https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report?language=en  

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025 Bill Digest Released 

The Federal Government has provided a Bill Digest for its NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill that was introduced to parliament in the final sitting week of 2025.  

The Digest provides an overview of the purpose of the Bill, its background and the key issues and provisions in the Bill that are designed to strengthen the powers of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission.  

If you would like to read more on what is in the digest please visit the link:  https://bit.ly/4kDCM0o 

Transport 

Notice – Underground Station Upgrades in Brisbane 

Over the coming months there will be a number of upgrades taking place to train stations across the Brisbane CBD that will impact access for commuters.  

• Albert Street Station – Construction on the Green Spine between Elizabeth and Mary Streets will continue throughout 2026.  
• Woolloongabba Station – Work will continue for the new contemporary footpath between Woolloongabba station platform two and Main Street until mid-2026. Access between Woolloongabba station platform two and Main Street will be open on major Gabba event days.  
• Boggo Road Station – Temporary footpath closures will be in place for utilities work and steel canopy installation 
• Roma Street Station – From 11 February the temporary shared user path between George and Roma Streets will be temporarily closed for up to eight weeks for construction. 

For more information on these and other changes, please see the link below https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/work-notices/?area=area-albert-street  

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program Survey  

The Queensland government has released a community feedback survey to hear from you about how they engage with local communities where the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is being delivered.  

It is designed to understand the following:  

• How do you prefer to receive information? 
• Do you find our QTMP updates useful?  
• Do you feel well-informed about QTMP activities in your area?  

If you are interested in filling out the survey please follow the link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=4sZL-u3A7EOdbRRefjahpSARf5oPrShKuk-ZUBBiqXRURTlCUVRITEdWNFc5TEs4M0hTM1hFQ0IwUy4u&route=shorturl  

Justice 

Queensland Public Advocate Report – New Report 

The Public Advocate has released a discussion paper concerning adults with cognitive disability in the Queensland criminal justice system, titled ‘Detention’ the paper outlines six questions.  

1. Are current cognitive disability screening processes adequate for adults entering detention?
2. Do adults with cognitive disability in detention haveappropriate accessto disability, mental health and general health services and support? 
   3. How might current rehabilitation, education and training offerings be improved for adults with cognitive disability who are in detention? 
   4. Is the treatment of adults with cognitive disability who are in detention adequately monitored? 
   5. Are specific initiatives required to address the treatment and rehabilitation prospects of First Nations adults with cognitive disability who are in detention? 
   6. Are current community-based correction order requirements and services suitably adapted for adults with cognitive disability?

   The paper can be accessed at the following link: https://lnkd.in/gDNJ9KmY