E-News Tuesday 4 August 2026

Have Your Say

New Public Consultations

NDIS Community Forum – Testing the New Way of Planning

The NDIA is hosting an online forum on19 August 2026 from 11am to 12pm to provide information about how they are testing the new way of planning. The forum will discuss:

What testing is and why the NDIA are doing it
How the NDIA will make sure that testing will not affect people’s current or future plans
The different testing activities available
Who can take part
What participation involves
How feedback will be used.

The forum will also involve a live question and answer session.

To register for the forum, click here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-forum-helping-test-the-new-way-of-planning

To submit an expression of interest to test the new way of planning, click here: https://engage.ndis.gov.au/projects/test-the-new-way-of-planning

QDN News/ Events

Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Strategy

You are invited to participate in an online disability reform Community of Practice to share learnings about best practice co-design and hear reflections about co-design work. This is an opportunity to learn from peers and share your own learnings in a safe and supportive space.

The meeting is quarterly and the next one is 20 August, 10:00am – 11:30am via Zoom.

This Community of Practice is being facilitated by Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) as part of our work delivering the Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Strategy.

To register your interest in this meeting, please RSVP to be added to the calendar invite by clicking this link:https://forms.office.com/r/WGmMFf9hmd

Longreach 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.

Longreach Inclusion Matters forum, hosted by local QDN Peer Leaders will connect people with disability, families, allies, local business and organisations to share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building a stronger and more inclusive region.

Where: Longreach Civic Centre, 96A Eagle St, Longreach, 4730

When: Wednesday 16 September

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

About the forum:

Hear from local leaders and changemakers about what works and what’s needed next
Join conversations about how we can make inclusion stronger across the Longreach region
Turning good ideas into real change – share your insights and shape inclusion in your community.

 Click on the following link to register:
https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-longreach-2026

Policy Submissions

In Progress

Consultation on the Second Action Plan (National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032)

The Australian Government has announced a consultation for the Second Action Plan (National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032). The action plan will be focused on five key areas:

Victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence
Prevention and early intervention
Children and young people in their own right
People who use violence
System integration and workforce.

To learn more, please visit the website by clicking the following link: https://engage.dss.gov.au/second-action-plan/

National Redress Scheme Eighth Anniversary Review

The Federal Government is undertaking a review into the National Redress Scheme which is for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

The review will focus on priority areas for improvements as well as measures to support safe closure of the scheme.

The review is interested in hearing from the following:

previous and current applicants to the Scheme
families, friends, carers and anyone who has supported someone with their redress journey
survivors who have decided not to apply to the Scheme or who have started an application but did not continue
Redress Support Services and advocacy organisations and institutions.

If you are interested in knowing more, please visit the website by clicking the link:
https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-redress-scheme-eighth-anniversary-review/

Policy Updates

Queensland Budget Estimates Update

On Thursday 30 July, Minister Amanda Camm, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, along with Director General Belinda Drew attended a Budget Estimates Hearing. During this meeting, the Minister and Director General discussed a range of topics including an update on the Queensland Disability Advisory Council (QDAC) and its future, as well as ongoing engagement with key disability stakeholders including QDN.  

QDN will continue to work with Minister Camm and the Director General on issues that may impact our members.

Learn more here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=269&id=8598

Disability Service Action Plan

The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety have released the Queensland Disability Service Action Plan. This plan contains up-to-date statistics about people with disability in Queensland, as well as the Departments goals to support people with disability in:

Employment and financial security 
Inclusive homes and communities 
Safety, rights and justice 
Personal and community support 
Education and learning  
Health and wellbeing 
Community attitudes

To read the full plan, click the following link:
https://www.families.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-department/corporate-publications/disability-service-plan

NDIS

NDIS Amendment Bill Hearings

The hearings for the NDIS Amendment Bill (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) are continuing with heari8ngs scheduled on Thursday 30 July, Friday 31 July and Thursday 6 August 2026. The hearings include speakers from a range of disability organisations, advocates and experts, as well as a lived experience panel.

To read the transcript of the hearings, head to the Parliament of Australia website:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/NDISFutureGenBill/Public_Hearings

The final report will be published on 14 August 2026. Check the inquiry webpage for more details or to read the report when it becomes available:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ndis-legislation-changes/amendments/ndis-amendment-securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations-bill-2026?language=en

New NDIS Guide to Support Employment

The NDIA have created a guide to support employment service providers, employers and job seekers with disability. The Guide contains information about how to set employment goals, how to find employment providers and support you can receive while studying. To read the full report, head to the NDIS website:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/life-transitions/employment-support/guide-employment#our-guideline

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Ways to Manage your NDIS plan

The NDIA is hosting a webinar on 11 August 2026 from 1pm to 2pm to help participants understand the three different plan management options- plan managed, self-managed and NDIA managed. The webinar will:

Explain how each plan management option works, including who pays providers and manages financial records
Help participants understand how these decisions are discussed during your plan meeting
Outline the factors considered when the NDIA determines how funding is managed

To register for the webinar, head to the NDIS website:
https://events.humanitix.com/understanding-the-ndis-webinar-ways-to-manage-your-ndis-plan

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Working with Providers

On 19 August 2026 from 1pm to 2pm the NDIA will be facilitating a webinar to help participants understand:

How to find and choose NDIS providers that meet their needs
What a service agreement is and why it’s important
Their rights and responsibilities when working with providers
What to do if issues arise with a provider

To register for the webinar, click here:
https://events.humanitix.com/understanding-the-ndis-webinar-working-with-providers-tatbgfrm

Understanding the NDIS webinar: Employment Supports

The NDIA is hosting a webinar on 27 August from 1pm to 2pm to help participants, as well as their families or their carers understand how they can use their NDIS to work towards securing meaningful employment. The webinar will provide information on:

What types of employment supports the NDIS can fund
Who employment supports are for and when they might be appropriate
How employment supports can help with getting a job, staying in work, or developing workplace skills

Top register for the webinar, click the following link:
https://events.humanitix.com/understanding-the-ndis-webinar-employment-supports-ynbrbqxs?

Health

Additional Funding to Youth Mental Health Services

On 2 August 2026, it was announced that the Queensland Government will be expanding youth mental health services in Southeast Queensland. This initiative is called Headspace Plus and involves $149 million in funding to upgrade 30 existing Headspace centres nationwide.

The Headspace Plus centres will provide additional services from psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, peer workers and counsellors to support young people with more complex needs. Woolloongabba, Indooroopilly and Maroochydore will be some of the first Headspace centres in Australia to be upgraded.

To learn more, click the following link:
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-emma-mcbride-mp/media/australian-government-delivers-expanded-youth-mental-health-services-across-south-east-queensland?language=en

Housing

State Government Announces New Queensland Housing Code and Modern Homes Standards

The Queensland State Government has announced a new Queensland Housing Code which is set to have a three-year transition period for Local Governments to adapt, beginning from 1 September 2026 and Modern Homes Standards which are set to begin on Friday 14 August.

The Modern Homes Standards are set to include the following:

A 5-star energy-efficiency rating for homes under 50 square metres, instead of the current 7-star requirement
A 6-star energy-efficiency rating for homes with raised-floor construction, such as traditional Queenslander-style homes
A new “ramp-ready” option for elevated homes, allowing a compliant ramp to be installed when it is needed in the future
Greater flexibility in accessible bathroom design
New practical solutions to support compliance with step-free entry, weatherproofing and termite-management requirements
A final extension of the narrow-lot exemption from liveable housing requirements until 30 September 2029.

Guidance materials, practical examples and targeted communication for industry and local government stakeholders will be released shortly. For more information on the announcement please visit the following link:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/105747

Employment

Opening Doors Report

A new report by Grattan Institute examines the employment of people with disability in Australia, highlights issues and recommends pathways to improve services and outcomes for people with disability. The report explores four strategies to improve employment of people with disability, including:

Improve pathways into open employment
Expand mainstream employment opportunities
Raise the bar for disability-focused enterprises
A transition plan for Australia

Read the full report on the Grattan Institute website: https://grattan.edu.au/report/opening-doors-better-jobs-and-fairer-wages-for-disabled-workers/#waypoint=overview

Sport

Paralympics Australia Expands Beyond Sport Program 

The Beyond Sport Mentoring and Employment Program is going through its next phase of growth. This program was designed to support paralympic athletes and people with disability through mentoring, career development and meaningful employment pathways, while helping employers build confidence in creating inclusive workplaces.

Over the past 12 months the program has been expanded to improve employment opportunities for people with disability as well as strengthening partnerships with career transition and employment services and matching potential employees with employers.

Learn more at the Beyond Sport Mentoring and Employment Program at Paralympics Australia website:
https://www.paralympic.org.au/2026/07/paralympics-australia-expands-beyond-sport-program-to-unlock-more-employment-opportunities/

Transport

Surcharge Removed for Passengers Needing Assistance

On 17 July 2026 Uber reversed its decision to impose a $5 fee on passengers requiring extra assistance. This change came about due to advocacy efforts of multiple disability providers, individuals and supporters. The organisation also stated that they will be creating an Accessibility Advisory Group.

Learn more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-17/uber-backflips-on-assist-charge-after-criticism/106917484 

Women

Queensland releases Women’s Economic Security Strategy

The Queensland Government has released a first of its kind Women’s Economic Security Strategy. The strategy was designed with Queensland women and is focused on delivering the following key priorities:

Support women’s workforce participation and career progression
Strengthen financial wellbeing and independence
Address barriers that limit economic opportunities
Improve outcomes for women in different life circumstances
Foster partnerships across government, industry and the community.

If you are interested in learning more about the strategy or reading the strategy, please click the following link: https://www.women.qld.gov.au/womens-economic-security-strategy

From our Friends

Policy and updates regarding other peak bodies 

Autism Queensland Launches Owning My Future

Autism Queensland has launched its Owning My Future Program. The Owning My Future Program is designed for autistic young people between the ages of 9 and 25.

The program is open to families across the whole of Queensland and is designed to assist successful applicants in setting goals, building personalised plans, strengthening confidence and decision-making skills and connect young people with the right supports as they progress through high school, post-high school life, working and study options and building independence.

If you would like to know more about the program please click the following link:
https://autismqld.com.au/owning-my-future/

If you would like to sign up for the program, please click the following link: https://autismqld.tfaforms.net/f/omf?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0dfo3kh3&fbclid=IwY2xjawTeBMhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwUTBtYzNpZWUwS0RERGN5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHo2sfJ3-BJq4upGZV1lxj355grl_PekcwC3-EMym_38FjlJD7aztyaUzU50E_aem_QSRMiKhQScPen4LB5SBFhw

Disability Research Leadership Program Fellowships About to Open

The National Disability Research Partnership has extended its Disability Research Leadership Program to postdoctoral researchers with a disability. Early career researchers with a disability who have met requirements can now apply, the requirements include:

Applying within seven years of completing their PhD (with allowances for career breaks, disability-related disruptions, carer responsibilities and time outside academia).

The fellowships run for two years and offer the following:

$110,000 a year toward salary
Up to $60,000 in flexible research funding and professional development funding
A place in a national community of practice

If you are interested applications open on Monday 10 August and close on Monday 21 September at 5pm AEST.

If you would like to know more, please click the following link:
https://content.ndrp.org.au/drlp_fellowships?utm_campaign=372025828-DRLP%20Fellowships&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–0TJfxxt-wflF7viZvJ3VQ7yOsLNipj6Rc9W_lDLh93q2PS3Oiw6dIiULg5K4xFmvmxnAal6fD25Uem-jrjjIgM9i1kQ&_hsmi=31139719&utm_content=31139719&utm_source=hs_email

Succession Planning: How to safeguard a good life for a person with disability now and in the future

The Community Resource Unit (CRU) is hosting a full day workshop that will assist people with disability, and their families plan for the future when their current supporters are no longer able to.

The event is being held Wednesday19 August 2026 from 9:30am to 4:15pm at Easts Leagues Club, Coorparoo.

To learn more or register for the event, click the following link:
Succession Planning: How to safeguard a good life for a person with disability now and in the future

Toy Libraries Australia Release Resources to Help Australian Families of Children with Disabilities

Toy Libraries Australia have released a five-part podcast series exploring how toys and play can help children develop physical, cognitive and social skills. The resource aims to support the work of allied health professionals such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

Some of the topics included in the podcast are:

Playing with purpose
Sustainable play; and
The importance of affordable access to high-quality toys

This initiative also includes simple ideas to help families connect and learn through play.

Learn more by clicking on the following link: https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2026/07/updated-new-podcast-series-and-free-resources-to-help-australian-families-of-children-with-disabilities-discover-the-power-of-everyday-play/163794/

Stories

QDN’s policy team wants to hear about the issues impacting your lives. If you have a story to share, please click the following link to fill out the story form on our website:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=pN22SPKKGkecMSBHox1OyJbhb2Rfc4BBj97rFvpKHtlUQTFEQzg3WEY1VjhLMFI5NkZOQ0RETlhNSiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

QDN Membership

QDN membership is open to people with disability, their families, carers and supporter organisations. If you or someone you know would like to be a QDN member apply here:
https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/

Contact Us

Any questions, contact the QDN team on 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au