E-News 9 October 2026

QDN Update – 2026 Notice of Annual General Meeting

QDN members should by now have received an email with important information on the 2026 Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Brisbane City Hall in the Sherwood Room. Members will also be able to attend the meeting online via Zoom or through Teleconference.

Members will now be able to access the following information online in the lead up to the AGM. Please note you must register to attend the AGM in person by Friday 23 October.

Notice of Annual General Meeting and Agenda, including Explanatory Notes.
Letter - How to Vote introducing Vero Voting, who have been engaged to conduct the 2026 ballot for the election of directors.
Statements from the candidates including links to videos. 
Minutes of the 2025 AGM.
Summary financial information.
Audited Financial Statements 2026.

Click here to access information https://qdn.org.au/2026-annual-general-meeting/

QDN has a new voting process this year with Vero Voting managing the process which you can vote 3 ways – online, by phone or by post if you don’t have email. QDN members should have received an email from Vero Voting titled ‘Voting is Open for QDN 2026 Ballot for the Election of Directors’. If you are a member and have not received this email please contact QDN via email qdn@qdn.org.au or call on 1300 363 783. Please check your spam or junk email folders.

If you are unsure about the new voting process, the Company Secretary Mark McKeon and CEO Michelle Moss will be hosting two information sessions on the following days.

Tuesday 13 October 1:30pm-2pm

Thursday 22 October 4pm-4:30pm

If you would like to register for one of these sessions you can do so by clicking on the following links here:

For Tuesday 13 October 1:30pm-2:00pm
https://events.humanitix.com/qdn-agm-vero-voting-process-1

For Thursday 22 October 4:00pm-4:30pm
https://events.humanitix.com/qdn-agm-vero-voting-process-2

QDN Update – Empower Project “Count Me In” Survey Now Open!

Are you interested in sport and recreation? Or want to be participating but not able to?

Count Me In is an important survey to build a statewide picture of what helps people with disability participate in sport as well as barriers and gaps that need to change.

We want to make sure as many people with disability and their families/supporters complete. It is for adults but also for families who have children and young people too.

QDN is working with the Jamieson Trauma Institute from Metro North Health as well as Queensland University of Technology (QUT Centre for Data Science), The University of Queensland (UQ), Griffith University, University of Southern Queensland, Sporting Wheelies and other stakeholders on the Empower Project.

The survey is open until 4 December 2026 and can be completed by clicking on the following link:
https://qdn.org.au/ourwork/empower-project/

NDIS Updates

Changes to Support Budgets from 1 October 2026

Starting from 1 October, NDIS support budgets have changed and will now reduce participant budgets for two support categories.

Social, Economic and Community Participation
Improved Daily Living Skills

Please note that these changes are taking place over the next 12 months with budget reductions being applied as plans created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, or renewed from 1 February 2027.

The impact of these changes will vary from person to person and will be based on individual goals, circumstances and support needs.

Groups of supports in these categories will not be affected:

Employment
Disability-related health supports
High intensity supports
Intensive and complex behaviour supports
Customised and wearable technology
Hearing services

Please note that these decisions will not be reviewable.

If you would like to know more about the changes please click on the following link here https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11695-changes-support-budgets-1-october

New NDIS Plan Variation Pathway Starting 1 October 2026

From 1 October, a new plan variation will be open to high support needs participants who receive 24-hour funded NDIS supports. Under the changes, a participant has high support needs if:

If their budget for assistance with daily life, home and living, and assistance with social, economic and community participation is larger than $215,030.
If they receive 24-hour funded NDIS supports for impairments that they access the NDIS for.

This variation is designed to ensure that participants continue to have sufficient funding to safely meet their needs.

High support needs participants will be able to apply for a plan variation within 90 days of the funding reset being applied, but plan variations can only be requested by the participant or their nominee, participants can be assisted by support workers and advocates.

If a participant is successful, the NDIA will calculate the amount required based on any gaps in:

Assistance with daily living and home and living supports

Funding will not be increased for social, economic and community participation, and improved daily living skills, support groups.

Have Your Say

Public Consultations

New Framework Planning and NDIS Supports Consultation

Do you want to have your say on New Framework Planning?

Submissions are still open for the New Framework Planning and NDIS Supports Consultation.

The consultation will focus on the four new rules for New Framework Planning:

How a participant’s disability support needs will be assessed
How reasonable and necessary budgets will be developed
How a participant can use their plan
How a new framework plan can be changed

Don’t miss your opportunity to provide feedback. QDN is also doing a submission if you want to provide feedback into that please contact QDN. To find out more please click on the following link:
https://consultations.health.gov.au/disability-and-carers-group/nfp-ndis-supports/

Consultation on the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Framework

Do you have an interest in human rights and the anti-discrimination framework in Queensland?

The Department of Justice is inviting submissions as part of a review of Queensland’s human rights and anti-discrimination framework. 

The review is considering the legal framework that supports Queensland’s human rights and anti-discrimination protections, including how complaints are managed, to ensure that it delivers timely, practical and effective outcomes for Queenslanders. 

QDN will also be providing a submission and welcomes any feedback on what you would like to see changed.

Submissions close on Friday 30 October 2026. 

Learn more at the Department of Justice website by clicking the following link: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/community-engagement/community-consultation/current/consultation-on-the-human-rights-and-anti-discrimination-framework 

If you would like to provide feedback to QDN directly, you can do so by clicking on the following link here qdn@qdn.org.au

NDIS Annual Pricing Review for 2027-28 Prices

Are you interested in providing feedback on the pricing of NDIS supports?

The NDIS has opened a consultation for its review of 2027-28 prices. This years review will be focused on the following.

Therapy supports, including the Therapy Pricing Review
Disability Support Worker (DSW) related supports, including a review of the DSW Cost Model
Supported Independent Living (SIL), including the SIL Pricing Review
Social and Community Participation
Support Coordination
Plan Management

If you would like to find out more on this consultation please click on the following link here https://engage.ndis.gov.au/projects/annual-pricing-review-for-2027-28-prices

Australian Disability Strategy Evaluation and Survey

Are you interested in having your say about Australia’s disability strategy?

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has opened up an evaluation of the Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031.

There is a survey that is available by clicking on the following link: https://accessiblesurveys.com/v2/p8ZhtT0FM7mhgZ73NasJ/intro

There is also an opportunity to join online focus groups to discuss the strategy, if you would like to join a focus group you can click on the following link: https://accessiblesurveys.com/v2/jrsnnonJxLHLp7LtNjjK/intro

QDN News/ Events

QDN Wins Queensland Resilient Australia Award

QDN is proud to announce it has won the Queensland Resilient Australia Award in the Community Category for the Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) Peer Leadership Development Program. This program provided an innovative approach to building disaster management arrangements in partnership with Local Councils, State Government Disaster Recovery and key community partners.

As an award winner, QDN will now be considered as part of the National Resilient Australia Awards which will be announced later this year.

For more information on the DIDRR program please click on the following link here:
https://qdn.org.au/ourwork/didrr-peer-leadership-development-program/

For a full list of award winners please click on the following link here:
https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/get-involved/queensland-resilient-australia-awards-2026

Queensland Regional Disability Conference 2026 – Toowoomba

Tickets are still available for the Queensland Disability Conference 2026 in Toowoomba so don’t miss out.

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the Queensland Disability Conference 2026 in Toowoomba.
Event highlights will include discussions on:

Disability reforms
Brisbane 2032 Games – Social and economic impact
Accessible and inclusive transport

When: Thursday 5 November 2026,
9:30am – 3:30pm, followed by a networking event.
Where: The Annex – Toowoomba City Hall,
541 Ruthven St, Toowoomba QLD

Register by clicking on the following link:
https://events.humanitix.com/queensland-disability-conference-2026-toowoomba/tickets

Queensland Regional Disability Conference 2026 – Cairns

Tickets are still available for the Queensland Disability Conference 2026 in Cairns so don’t miss out.

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the Queensland Disability Conference 2026 in Cairns.
Event highlights will include discussions on:

Disability reforms
Brisbane 2032 Games – Social and economic impact
Accessible and inclusive transport

When: Tuesday 24 November 2026,
9:30am – 3:30pm, followed by a networking event.
Where: Pullman Cairns International – Grand Ballroom,
17 Abbott Street, Cairns QLD

https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-queensland-regional-disability-conference-2026-cairns

Confidence in Parenting Peer Event

Are you a parent with intellectual disability or acquired brain injury?

Community Living Association and Queenslanders with Disability Network are hosting a peer event for parents with intellectual disability or an acquired brain injury on 14 October from 10am to 1pm.

The event is being held online via Zoom but people can attend in person at the QDN 338 Turbot St, Spring Hill Office.

The event is a chance to meet other parents as well as learn about advocacy and share ideas about peer support.

If you would like to register for the event, please do so by clicking on the following link:
https://events.humanitix.com/confidence-in-parenting

Inclusion Matters Forum

QDN is hosting its sixth Inclusion Matters Forum on 15 October from 10am to 12pm. This will be an online forum.

The forum will be a chance to connect with and hear from people with disability, families, allies, local business and organisations to share ideas, solutions and practical ideas.

In the forum you will get a chance to:

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

If you would like to register, you can do so by clicking on the following link here https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-forum-6-online

Disability Inclusive Emergency Management Community Forum – Sunshine Coast

Do you live on the Sunshine Coast and want to learn more about preparing for emergency management?

QDN, with support from Sunshine Coast Council, is hosting a Disability Inclusive Emergency Management Community Forum at Venue 114 – Lakeview Room, Bokarina QLD, Australia.

The forum will be made up of people with disability, emergency services, local government, community organisations, service providers and other stakeholders.

Discussions at the forum will:

Share experiences, ideas and what is already working.
Identify gaps and barriers that need to change.
Hear from people with lived experience of disability.
Explore how organisations and services can work together.
Learn how Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (PCEP) can support people to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Explore practical ways to make disaster preparedness, response and recovery more inclusive.

If you are interested in registering, please click on the following link:
https://events.humanitix.com/disability-inclusive-emergency-management-community-forum-sunshine-coast

Sunshine Coast, Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Workshops

Over the October and November period. QDN will be hosting a number of P-CEP workshops across the Sunshine Coast region.

These sessions will focus on preparing for events such as:

Bushfires
Heatwaves
Power Outages
Other emergencies that may affect your support needs

The P-CEP workshops will be run over two separate forums. Part A and Part B.

Part A will focus on:

Identify your strengths and support needs in everyday life
Know your level of emergency preparedness and learn about your disaster risk

Part B will focus on:

Plan for how you will manage your support needs in an emergency
Communicate the plan with the people in your support network and address gaps through collaboration.

If you are interested in attending, please see below for the dates and times of a forum in your area.

Nambour Workshop

Part A: Tuesday 27 October, 10AM to 12PM
Part B: Tuesday 3 November, 10AM to 12PM

Location:

Shop A1, 24 Lowe St, Nambour QLD 4560, Australia

The Wellways Carer Gateway Hub

To register, please click on the following link here

https://events.humanitix.com/sunshine-coast-pcep-nambour-workshop

Kawana Workshop

Part A: Wednesday 4 November, 10AM to 12PM
Part B: Wednesday 11 November, 10AM to 12PM

Location:

Kawana Island Meeting Place

5 Grand Parade, Parrearra QLD 4575, Australia

To register, please click on the following link here:

https://events.humanitix.com/sunshine-coast-pcep-kawana-workshop

Beerwah Workshop

Part A: Wednesday 18 November, 10AM to 12PM
Part B: Wednesday 25 November, 10AM to 12PM

Location:

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia

Beerwah Meeting Place

To register, please click on the following link here:

https://events.humanitix.com/sunshine-coast-pcep-beerwah-workshop

Online Workshop

QDN will also host an online workshop for anyone who is unable to attend in person. This workshop will take place on Monday 16 November from 1pm to 2:30pm.

Please note that this workshop will be run by Sunshine Coast Council and will be focused on the Sunshine Coast.

If you would like to register for the online workshop, you can do so by clicking on the following link here

https://events.humanitix.com/sunshine-coast-pcep-online-workshop-2

Shifting Bias – Gladstone Free Workshop

Do you live in the Gladstone Region and want to learn more about how bias can influence the way we think, make decisions and interact with others?

QDN will be hosting a free Shifting Bias workshop on Thursday 12 November from 10am to 12pm at the Maxine Brushe Community Meeting Place, 1 Pengelley Street, West Gladstone.

The workshop will focus on how you can:

Build confidence to recognise bias in everyday situations
Understand how bias against people with disability can influence everyday decisions
Learn practical strategies to challenge bias and foster more inclusive practice

If you would like to register, please click on the following link:
https://events.humanitix.com/shifting-bias-free-workshop

Policy Submissions

Completed Submissions

NSQHS Third Review

QDN provided a submission to the National Safety Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Third Review.

The review focuses on the latest edition of the NSQHS, the key document that guides health care workers in their interactions with patients across the health care system.

Key recommendations from QDN included improved communication from health providers to people with disability, the need for different types of reasonable attachments and the need for ongoing learning and development for staff.

QDN will update members once the outcome of the review becomes available.

Help shape the future of the Victoria Park Precinct

QDN has provided feedback on the Victoria Park Precinct consultation.

The Victoria Park Precinct will shape the future of sport and recreation in Brisbane and the more accessible that is for people with disability the better it will be for all people who come to the precinct once it has been completed.

QDN provided recommendations across five key areas including

Transport and connectivity
Venue design
Accommodation
Recreation, parklands and play
Ongoing engagement and co-design

QDN will update members once the outcome of the review becomes available.

Draft Aviation Disability Standards

The draft Aviation Disability Standards are an important part of reinforcing the need for consistent, coordinated and accessible journeys across the airports, airlines, ground transport, information, wayfinding and assistance.

Key recommendations from the submission included:

Supporting the regulatory option where both airports and airlines share responsibility for the passenger journey
Mandatory reporting is in place across airports and airlines
The standards need to consider the end-to-end journey of the passengers.

QDN will update members once the outcome of the review becomes available.

NDIS Support Coordination and Connection Consultation

QDN completed a submission on the introduction of a new commissioned National Disability Insurance Scheme Support Coordination and Connection (SCC) service from 1 July 2028.

This was an opportunity to highlight how it could look before the Government introduces the criteria for the service. QDN identified key themes that need to be considered for the new service including:

Flexibility, choice and control
Local knowledge and access to options
Knowledge of NDIS reforms and changes
Continuity of trusted supports

QDN will update members once the outcome of the review becomes available.

Policy Updates

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement Reforms

The Commonwealth Government has today announced changes to the new Disaster Recovery Funding Framework. This includes retaining the current cost-sharing arrangements which provide up to 75% of disaster funding when criteria are met. QDN and our members have been strongly advocating for disaster funding arrangements that recognise Queensland’s significant and recurrent exposure to natural disasters and maintain an appropriate Commonwealth contribution to disaster costs alongside certainty for immediate disaster response activities and investment in disaster preparedness, resilience, risk reduction and betterment.

QDN thanks all members who have provided feedback and have reached out to their representatives at the state and federal level. QDN also thanks the Queensland Government for their engagement with people with disability on this issue.

For more information you can read the media release from Treasurer Jim Chalmers by clicking on the following link:
https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/changes-disaster-recovery-funding-arrangement-reforms

If you would like to read the media release from Premier David Crisafulli you can click on the following link:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/106213

Disaster Risk Management

Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Leadership Awards Ceremony 2026

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for Asia and Pacific is hosting its Women’s Internation Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Leadership Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 13 October.

Professor Michelle Villeneuve who has worked with QDN to develop Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) for people with disability across Queensland has been nominated as a finalist in Disaster Risk Reduction Leadership.

Professor Villeneuve is one of 9 finalists from a field of over 200 nominees across 20 countries.

If you would like to hear more about the achievements of Professor Villeneuve and the other finalists you can by registering for the event by clicking on the following link:
https://www.undrr.org/event/womens-international-network-disaster-risk-reduction-win-drr-leadership-awards-ceremony-2026

Health

2025/26 Annual Report from Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board Released

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board has released its 2025/26 Annual Report.

The Report is available for review and is designed to highlight the ongoing work of the scheme in Queensland as well as what changes in operations of the scheme have taken place over the previous 12 month period.

If you would like to read the annual report you can do so by clicking on the following link:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/research-reports/reports/departmental/voluntary-assisted-dying-review-board-annual-report

Department of Health Releases Final Report on Evaluation of the Primary Care Enhancement Program (Phase 2)

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the final report on the Evaluation of the Primary Care Enhancement Program (Phase 2).

Key findings from the report include:

Primary Care Enhancement Program is showing promising early results
Implementation support is central to Primary Care Enhancement Program’s success
Participating practices are strengthening systems that support preventive care
Primary Care Enhancement Program is contributing to broader system capability
Strong foundations have been established for future scale up

If you would like to read more about the evaluation, the full report and an easy read version of the report can be found by clicking on the following link:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/final-report-evaluation-of-the-primary-care-enhancement-program-phase-2

Housing

2,899 New Homes Fast Tracked Across Central Queensland

The Queensland Government has announced it will invest $55.5 million in four projects that will deliver the infrastructure needed to unlock land for residential development for 2,899 new homes in Central Queensland.

The projects will deliver major water, road and sewer infrastructure upgrades needed to support new residential development across four communities, including Gracemere, Taroomball, Hidden Valley and Theodore.

Learn more at the Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory website by clicking the following link:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/106125 

Queensland Government Stronger Homes Grants Now Open

Are you looking to upgrade your home from flooding?

The Queensland Government Stronger Homes Grants are now open, they are designed to help homeowners improve flood resilience.

Homeowners can receive grants of up to $10,000 for resilience works. Applicants can apply for more than one of the strategies as long as they do not exceed the grant amount.

If you would like to know more, please click on the following link:
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/homeowners-financial-help/resilience-to-floods-and-cyclones/stronger-homes-grant

Applications are open until 30 November.

NDIS Supported Independent Living Operational Guideline Updates

Do you live in Supported Independent Living (SIL) housing?

The NDIS has recently updated SIL operational guidelines to reflect changes to SIL provider registration requirements due to the recent changes in legislation.

These changes will be focused on how the NDIA makes decisions about SIL, including the following:

Arrangements that are not SIL
24-hour individual support criteria
Mandatory registration for SIL providers

If you would like to know more about the changes, please click on the following link:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding-ndis/about-ndis/our-guidelines

Report on People with Neurological Disabilities and Complex Needs in Individualised Housing Published

The Journal of Brain Impairment has published a report on changes in mental wellbeing for people with neurological disabilities and complex needs after they move into individualised housing.

The research focused on changes after 6 months and then again at 12 months and found that people who had individualised housing had:

Done more at home
Pursued new opportunities
Developed stronger social connections

If you would like to read more, please click on the following link here:
https://apo.org.au/node/335963?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8eptdqUxHDuXKZe3Z8ldftImFHYQ3tCOdZlS7OkrH-EypPPXR3GnXIG35aiOEHQHMJ9aQilziO0I74V7obFUxq6eKoyg&_hsmi=35163050&utm_campaign=191354320-Evidence%20to%20Action&utm_content=35163050&utm_medium=email&utm_source=hs_email

Report on the Future of Australian Home Life Published

Emerging Technologies Research Lab has published a report on the future of Australian home life. The report was focused on how Australian’s live in their homes and how they are likely going to live in their homes in the future. The report explored the following themes:

Electric cars
Working from home
Digital connectivity, community and security
Storage and preparedness
Inequalities and vulnerability
Trust and control

Key implications from the report included:

Everyday life, not just technology, will shape energy futures
Trust, flexibility and local relationships will be key to build participation
Consumer-energy resource opportunities and participation are focused on resilience and preparedness
New inequities are causing uneven household energy futures.

If you want to read more about the future of home life in Australia, please click on the following link here:
https://apo.org.au/node/336101?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-82NIiWSqP1sZdLJ3LOyOZ9y1oCdTzOlI9zwWtZU55nLgKVoU8qyNLtuVUmqarXj2MvPD8Qbytcdt22mU0pjbgKDQwmnQ&_hsmi=35163050&utm_campaign=191354320-Evidence%20to%20Action&utm_content=35163050&utm_medium=email&utm_source=hs_email

NDIS

First Nations Resources Hub Update

Are you a First Nations NDIS participant?

The NDIS has created a First Nations Resources Hub to provide First Nations participants with information, as well as kin and anyone else who may support a First Nations NDIS participant.

The hub has information for participants as well as on communication and includes resources in First Nations languages as well as English.

If you would like to visit the Hub, you can do so by clicking on the following link here:
https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about-us/first-nations-resources-hub

Transport

Applications Open for the Next Round of Active Transport Grants

Applications are now open for the 2027-28 Active Transport Grants Program, which will invest another $15 million to help councils deliver safer and more connected walking and bike riding infrastructure across Queensland.  

The grants empower local governments to deliver projects that address local needs while helping build stronger connections between communities, schools, public transport hubs and key destinations.  

To learn more, or submit an expression of interest (EOI), head to the Department of Transport and Main Roads by clicking the following link:
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/cycling/cycling-grants/active-transport-grants-program 

EOI close 30 November 2026, with successful projects expected to be announced in 2027.  

From our Friends

Policy updates regarding other peak bodies 

ARAFMI Townsville Mental Health Carer Forum

Are you a mental health carer based in the Townsville region?

ARAFMI will be hosting a Mental Health Carer Forum on Thursday 22 October from 9am to 3:30pm AEST at Mercure Townsville.

The forums are designed for carers, family and kin supporting someone with mental health challenges. The forum will be focused on the Carer Journey.

If you are interested in finding out more about the forum, please click on the following link here:
https://events.humanitix.com/2026-arafmi-townsville-mental-health-carers-forum

Autism Queensland Neurodiversity Works Toolkit

Autism Queensland has released its Neurodiversity Works toolkit which is designed to assist employers, managers and workplaces to develop strategies to support the continued development of inclusive workplaces.

The resources have been based on frequently asked questions from managers during the design process of the toolkit.

To find out more about the toolkit and how it can help you please click on the following link here:
https://autismqld.com.au/resources/ndworks/

Griffith University Co-Creating Inclusive Governance in Transport Research Phase Two Now Open!

Do you use public transport and have an interest in making it more accessible?

Griffith University has announced Phase Two of its Co-Creating Inclusive Governance in Transport research Phase Two Now Open!

Phase One was focused on learning from experiences, Phase Two will focus on identifying what a consistent inclusive governance approach in transport could look like.

If you would like to get involved you can attend a group chat on 28 October from 11am to 2pm. Registration must be completed by 14 October for catering and participation support. Participants will also receive a $100 Digital Mastercard or Payment for participating.

You can also participate by undertaking an anonymous survey which consists of 4 questions. This survey would need to be completed by 30 October.

If you would like to register for the group chat, you can do so by contacting Dr Lisa Stafford at lisa.stafford@griffith.edu.au or by phone at 07 3382 1217.

If you would prefer to complete the survey, you can do so by clicking on the following link here:
https://griffithuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d0QiV5jPIIOzBcy

National Disability Services SCHADS Workshop

National Disability Services are holding a workshop on the changes to the Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award on 21 October 2026 from 10am to 1pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Geared towards organisations, the workshop will focus on understanding the award and what the changes may mean for businesses who understand the award.

If you are interested in attending you can find out more by clicking on the following link here:
https://www.nds.org.au/learning-and-development/scheduled-workshops/schads-essential-information-to-get-it-right-october/

The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) Still Matters Releases Report Card on DRC Recommendations

A national coalition of Disability Advocacy and Representative Organisations has released a report card on 10 Disability Royal Commission recommendations that were accepted by the government and reflect key issues raised by people with disability and the advocacy sector.

Three years on from the release of the Disability Royal Commission, the report card focuses on whether real change has occurred.

If you would like to know more about the report card and the progress made on the 10 recommendations highlighted, please click on the following link:
https://thedrcstillmatters.org.au/our-report-card/

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