All you need to know - State Election 26 October

2024 Queensland State Election: Key Information

The Queensland State general election is on Saturday, 26 October 2024. Here’s what you need to know:

Voting: You can vote at any polling place in Queensland, either early (14-25 October, 8am-6pm) or on election day.

Ballot: There’s one ballot paper, and you must number every box in your order of preference.

Accessibility: Options include telephone, postal, early voting, and voting at registered aged care facilities. Assistance is available at polling booths.

For more details, visit ecq.qld.gov.au/voterhelp or call 1300 881 665. Accessible booths are listed on the ECQ website. Easy Read voting guide: How to Vote in Queensland.

Disability Action Week 2024 is coming

Disability Action Week will run from 24 November to 1 December 2024.

This year’s theme is ‘Accessible communication: connect, include and empower’. Small, easy changes can make the difference for people with diverse communication needs.

Everyone can start a conversation about communication to make our state more accessible and inclusive.

QDN will be hosting a webinar on Friday 29 November, more information to come!

For more information about Disability Action week click here > Disability Action Week website

3G network is closing - check your technology

The national 3G network is closing to boost the speed and reliability of the 4G and 5G networks.

Telstra will close their 3G network from 28 October 2024. Read more here.

Optus will close their 3G network from 28 October 2024. Read more here.

Devices that depend on the 3G network will not work when it’s gone.

What does this mean for me?

To keep you safe, all mobile phones sold in Australia must be able to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. This includes older 3G phones and some 4G/5G phones that were bought overseas or from stores selling imported phones. Once the 3G network is turned off, these phones won’t be able to call Triple Zero (000).

Other devices that use 3G for making voice calls, like tablets, smartwatches, in-home emergency alarms, EFTPOS machines, and fire or security alarms, will also stop being able to call Triple Zero (000) after the 3G shutdown. If you have any of these 3G devices, they might not work properly anymore.

What do I need to do?
Get in touch with your mobile network or your service providers to check your device.

While service providers are advising customers through a variety of communications forms, including text, email and post, it is important to reach out to your service provider and check if you need to take any action.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association has developed a web resource page that has information, FAQs and tools to check if devices will be affected by the network closure.

Impact of Affordable Public Transport on Social Connection Survey

Would you like to be a part of a community survey on the recent developments of affordable public transport?

Anglicare Southern Queensland are conducting a very short survey to capture the impact of the 50-cent fare initiative on people’s experiences of social connection and loneliness. The aim of the survey is to provide greater insight into the additional wellbeing benefits of this initiative, and to demonstrate the social value of affordable fares.

The insights gathered will provide further evidence of the value of continued affordable, inclusive, and accessible public transport for all, ensuring everyone can stay connected with their friends, family, and community.

How Can I Access the Survey?

If you would like to share your experiences on this topic - Click here

The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2024

The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2024 is available in our website, this is the second year collecting stories across all seven outcome areas of Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022-2027. Please visit our website and have a read through the Final Report.

For more information click here.

Bright Sparks 2024/25 is back!

We are excited to share that the Bright Sparks project is returning!

This program helps people with disability manage their energy use better. With electricity costs going up, it’s important for people with disability to understand their bills, compare different energy plans, and find support when they face financial issues.

Bright Sparks offers workshops created and led by QDN’s Energy Champions, people with disability who share their own experiences. This makes the workshops helpful and easy to understand.

To find a workshop near you, visit QDN Events OR contact QDN at 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au.

By joining these workshops, participants will gain the confidence and knowledge they need to take charge of their energy use and make smart choices.

Visit QDN Website for more information: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/past-projects/bright-sparks-2024-25/

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:

Foundational Supports consultation

Provider Registration consultation

NDIS pricing approach - engagement opportunities

General Supports consultation

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

Establishing the Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme

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.

Queensland State Election Disability Online Forum

Last month, on the 23 September, QDN, in partnership with the Disability Alliance which is an alliance of 34 disability organisations, hosted the Queensland State Election 2024 Disability Online Forum. We heard from three candidates including Amy MacMahon MP (Queensland Greens), Minister Charis Mullen MP (Australian Labor Party), and Shadow Minister John-Paul Langbroek MP (Liberal National Party).    With over 360 registrations and over 200 online on the day, collectively we were able to make sure disablity counts at this election.

We thank the candidates for coming to the forum to speak with participants, and acknowledge everyone who was able to join on the day and QDN also thanks our members for their excellent questions about disability, inclusion, and accessibility in Queensland. 

A summary of the forum is available to read on our website: https://qdn.org.au/queensland-state-election-2024-disability-online-forum-summary-report/

NDIS Bill 2024 - Overview information sessions

The NDIS is holding a series of online engagement sessions for NDIS participants, families and carers and the disability community throughout October and November.

These sessions will cover the changes to NDIS Legislation and:

deliver an overview of the NDIS Bill amendments,

provider further information on some of the key changes for providers, and

provide an opportunity to ask questions.

Dates & times:

Fri, 25 Oct, 1pm - 2pm AEST

Thu, 31 Oct, 1pm - 2pm AEST

Foundational Supports consultation paper and online questionnaire

General supports are one part of Foundational Supports that will aim to improve access to information and connection to the right services and supports. Check out our fact sheets for some more detail: General Supports | engage.dss.gov.au.

 To have your say on general supports, you can:

consider and review the consultation paper

answer the online questionnaire and/or;

submit your thoughts through a written, audio recording or video recording response.

W: engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports
E: foundationalsupports@thesocialdeck.com

Foundational Support Ideas Wall

The Foundational Supports Ideas Wall is an online, moderated forum where you can share ideas about general supports, as part of the design of Foundational Supports. Write your own thoughts, or comment on those of others. 

New NDIS Commissioner and Associate Commissioner announced

The NDIS Commission welcomed a new Commissioner, Louise Glanville, on 1st October 2024.  Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from across government and disability sectors, including having spent three years as Deputy CEO at the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) implementing the NDIS.

Natalie Wade has been appointed as an Associate Commissioner with responsibility for registration and reform. Ms Wade has outstanding experience in law and lived experience as a woman with disability.

New website to help you prepare for emergencies and disasters

The NDIS Commission has funded new resources to provide information to providers and participants on how to prepare for emergencies and disasters such as bushfires, floods and pandemics.

The R4NED website has lots of information and resources to use to help get ready for, manage, and recover from emergencies and disasters.

Learn more here: https://r4ned.au/

Every Australian Counts Community Forum recording

At the forum Mitchell Skipsey and Sheetal Balakrishnan from the Justice Equity Centre discussed the changes to the NDIS that have now become law.

Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/WAN4D3m8w1I?si=DMEHGjmf3A0VgamE

Get involved in the Make Renting Fair Campaign

Over the past three years, Queensland has made many changes to tenancy laws, but there is more work needed to make renting more stable and affordable.

The campaign is calling to:

Limit annual rent increases

End no-cause evictions

Energy efficiency minimum standards

Find out more and have your say here: https://makerentingfairqld.org.au/

NDIS Commission's regulatory priorities for 2024-25

The NDIS recently released its Regulatory Priorities for 2024-25. These priorities enable the NDIS to target efforts and resources towards identified areas of heightened risk.

Read the 2024-25 Regulatory Priorities here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/regulatory-priorities-2024-25

New NDIS Compliance and Enforcement Policy

The NDIS Commission has launched its new Compliance and Enforcement Policy that sets out how they secure compliance and enforce the law. The relevant law includes the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and NDIS Rules.

The policy informs participants, providers, staff, and the public about how the NDIS Commission may use its compliance and enforcement powers and the key reasons behind its approaches.

Read the policy here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/legislation-rules-and-policies/compliance-and-enforcement-policy

Calls to found Changing Places facilities

City of Moreton Bay Setting the Standard for Accessibility

Mayor Peter Flannery announced that City of Moreton Bay is leading the way in accessibility across South East Queensland and called for funding to support more Changing Places facilities. He highlighted the city’s position as the first local government in Australia to adopt a dedicated Changing Places Network Plan, ensuring suitable facilities for individuals who cannot use standard accessible toilets. With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, Mayor Flannery emphasized that these facilities are non-negotiable, as they provide dignity and confidence to those needing extra assistance to engage with their communities.

To further strengthen this initiative, Mayor Flannery urged the next Queensland Government to commit to building 10 additional Changing Places facilities, noting that this is not merely optional but a necessity for the region's growing population. Plans are already underway to deliver six new facilities in the coming years, including three as part of the SEQ City Deal. QDN CEO Michelle Moss commended the council's efforts, expressing her excitement about the positive impact the Changing Places Network Plan will have on accessibility in Moreton Bay and throughout Queensland. For more information about City of Moreton Bay's Changing Places Network Plan, visit the website.

Walking Network Plans - Have Your Say

There is an opportunity to have your say on two Walking Network Plans in Aspley and Inala.

What are Walking Network Plans?

Walking Network Plans are part of the Council’s plan to achieve their vision of a sustainable and connected Brisbane. The Plans are maps that show the primary and secondary walking routes that connect key destinations in a 2-kilometre precinct around a central hub. They are supported by future works programs to enhance walkability in an area.

Walking Network Plans identify how everyday destinations can be better connected through comfortable, safe and accessible routes. An accessible and well-planned walking infrastructure is key to make the whole journey a successful one.

How can I Contribute?

If you would like to have your say on the proposed Walking Network Plans in Aspley - Click here

If you would like to have your say on the proposed Walking Network Plans in Inala - Click here

All feedback for the Walking Network Plans will close on 1 November 2023.

Brisbane Metro - 169 Route Services Updates

Brisbane Metro's new "turn-up-and-go" vehicles will start servicing the 169 route between Eight Mile Plains and UQ Lakes stations from Monday, 21 October 2024.

As part of the customer readiness journey planning, fact sheets and a vehicle video have been developed to highlight the accessible features.

The video will be available on the Brisbane City Council and TransLink websites for public transport journey planning.

Click here to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui-Kc9yuaxA

QDN e-News Update – 25 October 2024

QDN e-News Update - 25 October 2024

Policy update

Policy submissions

What's on

QDN Membership

From Our Allies

Walking Network Plans - Have Your Say

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