Brisbane 2032 Updates

Games Authority to conduct 100-Day Review

The Queensland Government has announced a 100-day review into Games venues and transport infrastructure. The review will consider integration across venues, transport systems, athlete villages, and precincts, while evaluating demand, affordability, deliverability, and overall impact to maximise social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

The terms of reference specifically sets out the scope of review will include:

Analysing the necessity, location, feasibility, delivery approach, overlay requirements and long-term impact of new, upgraded and temporary venues (including all projects identified within the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games)
Analysing the number, location, design, feasibility, delivery approach, overlay requirements and legacy outcomes of current planned Olympic and Paralympic Villages
Identifying critical transport projects that could be constructed prior to the Games to align with long-term mobility and transport strategies
Evaluating current Games governance arrangements.

More information is available at: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/brisbane-2032

100 Day Review public submissions portal

On 10 December 2024, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority announced the 100 Day Review public submissions portal. They are asking the community, business and industry to share their insights on key planning aspects for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Consultation is open until 10 January 2025.

The purpose of the 100 Day Review is to evaluate demand, affordability, deliverability, and overall impact to maximise social, economic, and environmental outcomes of the 2032 Games. Feedback will be assessed and analysed by the newly established Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority Board to help inform their final report for Government.

Any individual or organisation can provide their feedback in the portal which can be found here: www.gamesreview.com.au

Key infrastructure planned for the Games

Hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games brings with it unmissable opportunities to accelerate development across the state. New and upgraded sport venues are being planned to meet the needs of our growing communities and will be brought forward to be built in time for the Games, not because of the Games. It also creates the opportunity for our state to build and develop multi-purpose infrastructure, such as the athlete villages, most of which will be used for permanent housing after the Games.

Critical venue infrastructure will be funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Intergovernmental Agreement. The $7.1 billion venue infrastructure program will reshape some of Queensland’s most significant venues and precincts, leaving a legacy for the community well after 2032.

Visit Q2032.au for more information on how the Queensland Government is using Brisbane 2032 to transform Queensland economically, culturally, socially and environmentally.

This is a very important opportunity for people with disability to have their say on access and inclusion as part of the Games and the legacy.

Access and Inclusion: Paris 2024 and the runway to Brisbane 2032

Last week QDN hosted an online webinar called ‘Access and Inclusion: Paris 2024 and the runway to Brisbane 2032’. This webinar centred around the world’s largest sporting event, the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What did we learn from Paris? What will their legacy be? How can we use this experience to create a transformative shift for people with disability to benefit Queensland in 2032 and beyond? QDN brought together an expert panel who discussed their reflections on the Paris Games and what Queensland needs to focus on as we lead into 2032 to be a leader in access and inclusion.

Our expert panel was:

Julie Saunders - Director at Urbis, a consulting firm offering services in planning, design, property, social planning, economics and research.
Josh Bavas - who reported live from Paris for Channel 9
Rachel Watson OAM - Australian Paralympian

Thank you to all who attended and helped foster a meaningful and insightful conversation around legacy building.

If you would like to watch the recording of this event, please click the following link: https://qdn.org.au/our-advocacy/brisbane-2032-games/

QDN Emerging Leaders Program 2025 is now open and accepting applications

Each year, up to 25 people with disability complete the program, which develops skills and enhances the capacity of leaders at individual, community and systems levels.

The program embraces a variety of learning opportunities, including face-to-face workshops, online interactive sessions, mentorship, and community activities. It provides a safe and inclusive for developing critical thinking, explore leadership theory, systems thinking and change, engaging in inquiring conversations, building relationships, and connecting with established leaders. QDN’s key four pillars - Inform, Connect, Lead and Influence - are at the core of everything we do and are integral to the Emerging Leaders program. Leadership by people with disability is crucial for driving and influencing change that promotes equality, rights and inclusion.

Applications close at 5pm on 24th January 2025. To apply please complete the online application form by clicking here. Please contact us at peersupport@qdn.org.au or phone 1300 363 783 if you have any questions or need support completing the form.

QDN Peer Support Groups finished for 2024

Our Peer Support Groups have finished up for 2024 and are taking a break for the Festive period and their first meetings for 2025 will be in February.

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:

Consultation on proposed amendments to the NDIS Act (Bill No.2) – due 20 December 2024
Consultation on self-directed supports registration – due 17 January 2025

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

NDIS pricing approach
Foundational Supports General Supports consultation
EV Charging Infrastructure submission

NDIS updates

Platform Providers mandatory registration

Platform Providers have been identified as a priority group for mandatory registration with the NDIS Commission.

Platform Provider consultation will build on the significant engagement with participants, workers and Platform Providers that occurred as part of the NDIS Commission's Own Motion Inquiry into Platform Providers.

The purpose of this consultation paper is to seek community feedback about registering all Platform Providers with the NDIS Commission to deliver NDIS supports.

Have your say on Platform Providers mandatory registration. Submissions open to 7 March 2025

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about-us/ndis-commission-reform-hub

Supported independent living (SIL) and support coordination mandatory registration

To progress mandatory registration of SIL and support coordination, the NDIS Commission is consulting on:

Changes to registration requirements and arrangements

Implementation and transition approaches

Understanding practical implications for participants, their supporters and providers.

Have your say on SIL and support coordination mandatory registration. Submissions open to 7 March 2025.

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about-us/ndis-commission-reform-hub https://engage.dss.gov.au/selfdirect/

Consultation on self-directed supports registration

This consultation focuses on the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce recommendations for participants who self-direct their own supports. The new model will be designed to uphold the rights of participants who self-direct their supports while providing visibility of these arrangements to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Consultation period until 17 January 2025

https://engage.dss.gov.au/selfdirect/

Submissions the Policy team has completed since the last e-News

NDIS Updates

Consultation on Supports for Children and their Families

The Department of Social Services has announced consultation on additional supports for children under 9 with developmental delay and disability.

The Department wants your ideas on how to design Foundational Supports for parents/families/carers/kin and children aged under 9 in their care where there is a developmental concern, delay and/or disability. This includes understanding your views on existing services for children and families.

The Foundational Supports for Children consultation paper, Easy Read and information sheet are available on the DSS website. A guided questionnaire on additional supports for children under 9 will be published soon.

Please note these sessions are designed for families and carers. Separate sessions will be announced shortly for staff working in the disability sector supporting children under 9 with developmental delay and disability.

Queensland online session:

Date: 20 November

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Foundational Supports Consultation Events

In-person and online events about General Foundational Supports are happening now. They include open community workshops for anyone interested in Foundational Supports, and roundtables for people with disability.

You can attend an in person or online roundtable conversation on the design of general supports. Events are facilitated by people with disability.

Policy updates

Final Report and Government Response to the Review of the Transport Standards

The Australian Government has published the 2022 Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) Final Report and Government Response.

The Final Report and Government Response, including a summary available in Auslan and Easy Read, is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport-standards-review. This Review looked at the effectiveness of the Transport Standards in supporting accessible and inclusive public transport networks across Australia, whilst removing experiences of discrimination for people with disability.

The Review received input from over 1000 participants including people with disability, disability organisations, public transport operators and providers, and government. QDN provided a submission to the Review, which can be read here - QDN’s submission [Link]

To stay up to date and for more information, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/transportaccessibility

NDS State of the Disability Sector Report 2024

The State of the Disability Sector Report 2024 was launched by NDS on 9 December 2024. The report highlights an urgent need for sustainable services for people with disability. The national survey of 397 disability service providers found that most providers, despite challenging circumstances, remain resilient and are determined to thrive.

The report looks at the cost to the system of high-quality providers leaving the market and considers the way forward to secure to secure the future for disability support services.

Read the report here: NDS State of the Disability Sector Report

Commonwealth Disability Reform Roadmap announced

All governments are committed to progressing key disability reforms and working with people with disability to make Australia more inclusive, accessible and safe for people with disability.

This Roadmap highlights the key actions all governments will take in 2024 and 2025 to build the foundations and deliver on commitments for the disability and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reform agenda.

This includes:

progressing National Cabinet commitments to reforms to ensure the sustainability of the NDIS
legislative and other changes to the NDIS to improve the experience of participants and restore the original intent of the Scheme
the adjustment of state and territory NDIS contribution escalation rates (increasing from 4 per cent to align with actual Scheme growth, capped at 8 per cent)
the design of additional Foundational Supports.

A Microsoft Word and Easy Read version of the roadmap is available here: Disability Reform Roadmap | Department of Social Services

First Nations Disability Forum

In July 2024, all governments accepted in principle Disability Royal Commission (Royal Commission) recommendation 9.10 to establish a First Nations Disability Forum (Forum). Governments committed to work in partnership with First Nations people to develop options for a Forum or other appropriate shared decision-making mechanism (see Australian Government Response to the Royal Commission and respective state and territory responses).

The Department of Social Services (the department) is seeking input on how a First Nations Disability Forum could be designed.

More information here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/first-nations-disability-forum/

Australia Disability Strategy – 2024 review report released

The Australian Government Department of Social Services has conducted a review of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031. The review included a public consultation and focused on identifying practical process improvements to the Strategy that reflect what the disability community have said are important.
Read the report: Australia’s Disability Strategy 2024 Review Consultation Report Summary | Disability Gateway

Parliamentary Inquiry into Elder Abuse

The Queensland Government has established a Parliamentary Inquiry to investigate the elder abuse and to better protect older Queenslanders from harm. The inquiry was referred to the Education, Arts and Communities Committee, which has been directed to report back by 12 December 2025.

Further information about the inquiry, including a call for submissions and any upcoming hearing dates, will be published on the Committee’s website: Education, Arts and Communities Committee Inquiry into Elder Abuse in Queensland

Contact Liz Bianchi, Senior Executive Director, Seniors and Disability Services Strategic Policy and Legislation on 0417 210 112, if you wish to discuss or have any questions about the Parliamentary Inquiry into Elder Abuse.

Rough sleeping surges as homelessness crisis worsens – new report

The Australian Homelessness Monitor (AHM) 2024, led by UNSW Sydney and the University of Queensland in partnership with Homelessness Australia, reveals a 22% increase in the number of people sleeping rough in the three years to 2023-24. In New South Wales, rough sleeping has surged by 51% since 2020, primarily driven by an increase in regional communities.

Key findings of the AHM 2024 report:

Homelessness providers reported a 12% rise in monthly caseloads since 2019-20.
Rough sleeping increased by 22% nationally over the three years to 2023-24.
More than three-quarters of homelessness services (77%) found it significantly harder to secure housing for clients in mid-2024 compared with the previous year.
Increased demand for services has resulted in longer support periods, with the median duration of service support rising by 44% in the five years to 2023.
Housing affordability stress as the main driver of homelessness increased by 36% in the three years to 2023-24.
The average time it takes for a client to receive support has risen by 44% in the five years to 2022-23.
The proportion of employed people accessing homelessness services rose from 10.9% to 15.3% in the five years to 2022-23.
The fastest-growing cohorts within the population affected by homelessness over the past six years have been Indigenous people (up 7%) and older people – persons aged 55-64, up by 15%; persons aged 65+ up by 31%.

Read the full report here: Rough sleeping surges as homelessness crisis worsens: new report

Julian’s Key Health Passport now live

Queensland Health recently launched an updated version of Julian’s Key Health Passport, a hand-held, consumer-controlled communication tool specifically designed for Queenslanders – particularly those with intellectual disability who may need assistance when communicating with healthcare staff.

It empowers users and involves them in their care and helps healthcare staff understand a person’s care requirements, minimises misunderstandings, and ensures optimal outcomes.

It allows individuals to update their health information as needed, especially when there are changes to their care needs. It solely serves as a communication tool and does not request nor contain any financial details. It is not meant to replace routine clinical care or treatment.

The Health Passport comes in printed and print-at-home PDF formats and contains essential information about a person’s disability, health needs, communication and treatment preferences, feelings when unwell, and their interests and hobbies.

For more information and to access the Julian’s Key Health Passport: https://qdn.org.au/julians-key-health-passport-now-live/

From ADEs to open employment research

This research aims to understand the barriers, enablers, and predictors to transitions from Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) to open employment.

Read the report here: From ADEs to open employment research

Equity: the arts and disability associated plan

This is a four-year roadmap for greater representation and equity in cultural and creative life for d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers, as well as for audiences with disability.

Read the roadmap here: Equity: the arts and disability associated plan

Queensland Virtual Emergency Care Service

Queensland Health Virtual Hospital has been created to provide Queenslanders with better-connected, more timely care options closer to home.

The Virtual Emergency Care Service in being delivered by Metro North Hospital and Health Service on behalf of Queensland Virtual Hospital.

The service operates 14 hours per day from 8am to 10pm. It is easy to access through a smart phone, computer or telephone.

Current virtual models of care being offered will not be affected by services offered by Queensland Virtual Hospital.

If you have a non-life-threatening condition, you can access the service by phone, or via their website:

Phone: 13 43 25

Website: Virtual Emergency Care Service - Queensland Virtual Hospital

What's on

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

Events: https://qdn.org.au/events/

QDN Membership – spread the word

Do you know someone who should be a QDN member? Share this link them so they can have their voices heard and connect with peers and support networks across Queensland.

QDN Membership Application: https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/

From our Allies

NATIONAL INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY CLINICIAN NETWORK

The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health (the Centre) has the opportunity to host a National Intellectual Disability Clinician Network (the Network) and is currently seeking expressions of interest to join the Network.

Thie Network is one of four (4) major programs of work for the Centre, which launched in October 2023. The aim of the Network will be to bring together and facilitate the networking of a critical mass of clinicians or trainees who are interested in, and have some focus on, working with the health of people with intellectual disability across Australia. Amongst its activities, it is anticipated the Network will provide a forum for clinicians to share knowledge, best clinical practices and models of care; for multidisciplinary discussion of complex issues affecting clinical practice; co-hosting of webinars and podcasts on clinical and capacity building issues.

QDN is a member of the National Centre for Intellectual Disability Health. Learn more about their work on their website: National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health

Complete the Expression of Interest and Short Survey form.

QDN e-News Update – 19 December 2024

QDN e-News Update - 19 December 2024