QDN e-News Update - 4 September 2024

Instructions for downloading the video transcript

Open the video in YouTube. Click on ‘More Options’ (three dots below the video on the right-hand side). Select ‘Open Transcript’ from the drop-down menu that appears. Once you click ‘Open Transcript’, copy and paste all the lines of text to an editor of your choice to have a complete transcript that you can edit.

QDN's 2024 Queensland Government Election Platform 

  • As many of you will know, the 2024 State Government election is on Saturday, 26 October 2024. QDN has developed an election platform and an advocacy kit for members. 
  • The election platform outlines our priorities for an accessible and inclusive Queensland through the following seven priority areas: 
  • Employment and financial security including cost of living
  • Inclusive homes and communities
  • Safety, rights and justice
  • Personal and community support
  • Education and learning
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Community attitudes
  • In total, we have included 54 key priorities we are calling on candidates to action if elected. The advocacy kit includes information on how members can engage candidates and share their voices in the lead up to the election, with some helpful tips. The kit also includes a letter template that can be used to email candidates. 

The election platform is available here.

Make Disability Count in Queensland - Inclusion, Rights and Access 

On the 23 of September, Queensland Disability Alliance will host the Queensland State Election 2024 Disability Online Forum.

The candidates include Amy MacMahon MP (Queensland Greens), Minister Charis Mullen MP (Australian Labor Party), and Shadow Minister John-Paul Langbroek MP (Liberal National Party) will share their positions across key topics regarding disability, inclusion, and accessibility in Queensland. The Queensland Disability Alliance is made up of 34 disability organisations.

Click here for more information about the forum.

Click here for the Queensland Disability Alliance statement.

Click here for the Queensland Disability Alliance statement - Accessible Version

Joint Statement on Intellectual Disability

Recently, eight organisations have come together including QDN, around key issues for the health of Queenslanders with intellectual disability at this 2024 State Election. There are six priority issues we see as important. Click here to see the joint statement. 

Queensland Disability Conference 2024 - 'Imagining Possibilities: Shaping an inclusive Queensland' 

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services, held this event last month. The event was successful and explored how we can boost equity and inclusion for all Queenslanders, including Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with disabilities. The conference brought together members of the disability sector, government, stakeholders, and the business community to discuss the reforms that will shape a more inclusive future. 

All Abilities Showcase

This event showcased the All Abilities JobMatch project and brought together all stakeholders to share their experiences and project resources. 

The key focus areas were building confidence in the community services industry to hire, support, and retain employees with disabilities. We also had the chance to learn from employers who have experienced this firsthand. 

QDN Catch Up meetings

We are excited to catch up with our members and supporters through our QDN Catch up meetings. These meetings will take place in various locations, providing an excellent opportunity to update you on QDN’s activities across different policy areas, share ways you can get involved, and hear your perspectives on key issues. The upcoming meetings are being held on the Gold Coast, followed by Ipswich and Caboolture, you can find more information on the QDN calendar - with more to be scheduled soon. 

Policy update 

Policy Update, there is a image of a tick in a box with an arrow coming out the side of the box and circling around back to point at the box.

Policy submissions 

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 is working on:  

  • A new specialist disability employment program – Consultation – due 30 September  
  • Review of Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) – due 6 September  
  • State Election Platform for QDN members  

Submissions the policy team has completed since the last e-news 

  • National Housing and Homelessness Plan Bill 2024 
  • Draft National Urban Policy 
  • State Election Platform for QDN members 

Policy updates 

There has been a lot happening in disability reforms in the last couple of weeks. If you have any questions or concerns reach out to the QDN policy team at qdn@qdn.org.au or phone 1300 363 783. 

NDIS Bill update 

On Thursday the 22nd of August the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 passed in Parliament.   

QDN acknowledges the engagement and input that members have had into this Bill and our disability community’s reaction and response to this being passed in Federal Parliament.   

QDN has been clear that fundamental to the reform of the NDIS is the authentic consultation and meaningful engagement with people with disability, their families and the broader sector. QDN will continue to advocate with our members around this. Over the past five years, people with disability have continued to provide feedback, input and their lived experience at the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (DRC), the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review, and to the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill.   

At this point in time, there isn’t any clear information on the implementation of these changes. It is critical going forward that people with disability get accessible communication about how the NDIS is going to operate and what this means for individuals. It is critical that people with disability are able to access the essential supports and services they live to their lives.  

We encourage members to continue to have their say and share their voices:   

  • Call us on 1300 363 783  
  • Submit your story here (can be anonymous)  

Read QDN’s response to consultation on  the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill here.   

Who to contact for extra support  

Below are some organisations you can reach out to if you ever need support or need to speak with someone about how you're feeling.    

  • Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7 support)  
  • 13 YARN - 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (24/7 support)  

Find out more about the Bill here.   

Consultation for Foundational Supports announced 

The Department of Social Services has announced that public consultation for Foundational Supports is starting this month. Consultation will help to inform the design of supports for people with disability outside of the NDIS and how they can best be delivered.   

Consultation will include webinars, online questionnaires, written submissions, and in-person events held across Australia. The first stage of consultation will focus on a range of general supports that will be designed and delivered to meet the needs of people with disability and families and carers.  

The Department of Social Services is running an online webinar on 20 September at 12pm where you can find out more about the consultation.  

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/webinar-foundational-supports  

For more information visit the DSS website here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/ 

If you have any questions, please contact QDN’s policy team on 1300 363 783 or qdn@qdn.org.au. 

Consultation on draft list of NDIS supports

The NDIS Bill proposes a new definition of NDIS support to help participants and providers understand what NDIS funding can be used for. The Department of Social Services would like your feedback on draft lists about how NDIS funding can be used. 

You can provide feedback by completing the online survey, by emailing, requesting a call back, or sending your feedback by post to the Department. QDN is writing a response to the consultation, and we have been engaging with members to incorporate their feedback and ideas.   

Consultation has been extended and now closes on 30 August. 

More information about the draft lists and the survey can be found here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/consultation-on-draft-lists-of-ndis-supports/  

Expression of Interest open for Expert Disability Housing Advisory Panel

The Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works (DHLGPPW) and Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) are seeking expressions of interest from interested people to join the Expert Disability Housing Advisory Panel. 

This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a shared governance forum to oversee housing for people with disability in Queensland. 

Partnering for inclusive housing with Queenslanders with Disability 2024 – 2027 is a state-wide disability housing action plan. The expert panel will advise the Queensland Government on the implementation of Partnering for inclusive housing and how best to respond to complex and changing reform agendas that relate to housing for people with disability.  

Successful candidates will demonstrate extensive experience in their field, an ability to meaningfully contribute to innovative public policy discussions and ensure effective partnership with the DHLGPPW.  

For further information contact the QDN policy team at qdn@qdn.org.au or phone 1300 363 783. 

Apply for the expert panel here: https://qdn.org.au/expert-disability-housing-advisory-panel/   

Applications close 6 September 2024. 

Putting Queensland Kids First - Progress Update

Since the release of Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime (Putting Queensland Kids First) one month ago, the Queensland Government has: 

  • progressed site works for the new early childhood precinct at Kowanyama State School with the new hub, kindy and long day care buildings on site and ready for installation 
  • commenced a staged rollout to provide extended hours of free kindergarten for four‑year‑old children in Doomadgee and Mornington Island 
  • strengthened outreach services connecting pregnant and parenting mothers in Brisbane hotels, hostels and hospitals to the services and supports they need to stay safe and together with their children, as part of an additional $9 million investment. 

Over the next few months, the Government is planning to: 

  • commence rollout of Early Childhood Coordinators in existing child, family and community services, as part of a $29.9 million statewide program expansion – Early Childhood Coordinators work to improve connections for families experiencing vulnerability to access early childhood education, health and development services 
  • commence rollout of health practitioners in the first five primary schools in Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Townsville and Bundaberg, as part of our $10.7 million statewide program – health practitioners in primary schools help facilitate referrals to allied health services and remove barriers families may face in accessing healthcare and referrals. 

Read more about the plan here: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/putting-qld-kids-first  

TSS scheme extended until 31 October 2025 

The Queensland Government has confirmed that eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants can continue to access the TSS until appropriate transport support arrangements are in place, up to 31 October 2025.  

The Queensland Government is focused on ensuring appropriate transport support arrangements are in place for NDIS-eligible TSS members and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to address this matter. 

More information can be found here: https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/taxi-subsidy 

What's on

To stay updated on what’s happening with the Peer Support Group, and Policy Forums, please visit our website. You can find this information under the 'Events' page and the QDN Calendar for upcoming events. 

https://qdn.org.au/events/ 

QDN Membership  

If you or someone you know would like to be a QDN member apply here:  https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/  

From Our Allies

Get behind your favourite Aussie athletes by cheering them on in Paris. 

With the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games officially opening on Friday 26 July, it’s time to get behind our athletes and show our support as they compete in green and gold.  

And with eight years to go until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we also want to encourage all Queenslanders to discover what the Games means for our community.   

Here are four ways you can join in the excitement and show your support for your favourite Aussie athletes:  

  • Attend an Olympic and Paralympic Live event:  

https://q2032.au/discover/content/olympics-paralympics-live  

  • Host your own Olympic and Paralympic Live event: 

https://www.olympics.com.au/games/paris-2024/olympics-and-paralympics-live/  

Light up in green and gold and generate support throughout your own channels. 

 

ASID QLD | What’s working well, what’s not and what’s next in the lives of people with intellectual disability. 

Come along and join the one-day conference hosted by Queensland Division of ASID. During the day there will be keynotes, individual presentations, and parallel sessions, providing an opportunity for people with intellectual disability and supporters to meet up and share their thoughts and opinions.  

Date: Monday 23 September 2024  

Arrival time: 8:30am  

Conference time: 9am – 5pm  

Location: Modwest Building (11A), St Lucia Campus, The University of Queensland  

Click here to register: https://tas.currinda.com/register/event/2394 

For more information visit the ASID website - https://asid.asn.au/asid-qld-whats-working-well-whats-not-and-whats-next-in-the-lives-of-people-with-intellectual-disability/  

 

Research assistance: Developing a model of preventive health care for people with intellectual disability. 

The UNSW Department of Developmental Disability 3DN is looking for people with intellectual disability for research aimed at improving information about preventive health information (or information about staying healthy) for people with intellectual disability.  

  • Keep feeling healthy.  
  • Get better quickly when you are sick.  

They want to ask you about a time when you have looked at or used information about staying health. Your experiences will be used to help the research how it can improve information about staying health for people with disability.   

People will receive a $50 voucher for their participation. 

To participate in the project or want more information you can contact Maryann Barrington. To contact Maryann call 02 9065 4445, or email maryann.barrington@unsw.edu.au  

To find out more information visit the website: Preventive healthcare for people with intellectual disability | Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) (unsw.edu.au)  

 

A week without driving. Are you ready to see your community from a new perspective?  

The week Without Driving Challenge is a voluntary, self-managed initiative encouraging individuals to experience life without relying on their car. Participants pledge to avoid driving for an entire week, discovering alternative transportation methods such as walking, biking, scooter-riding, public transport, or carpooling.  

Sing up today!  

www.getaroundcabocarfree.com.au  

 

Meaningful Work for You Brisbane workshop Nov 2024 

This workshop is for people with disability who want to work in open employment but have found that the traditional pathways don’t always lead to the jobs you want. In this interactive workshop, get started in working out what sort of job would be right for you, and learn about different ways to work towards it, even if it means creating a job yourself. 

Details:  

Date: Thursday 7th Nov 2024  

Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm AEST  

Location: level 2/43 Peel St - level 2/43 Peel St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia 

To register and find more information click here.  

https://events.humanitix.com/meaningful-work-for-you-brisbane-workshop-nov-2024 

QDN's Social Media.

Follow us here.