eNews Monday 2 February
QDN Engagement
QCommunicators
We are calling for more Expressions of Interest for the QCommunicators Working Group 2026. (If you have already applied there is no need to reapply)
Applications close Friday 27 February 2026.
QCommunicators: Overview
Communication is fundamental to everything we do at QDN and our motto of ‘nothing about us without us’ is at the core. Alongside this, our four pillars: inform, connect, lead and influence, are about creating positive change – and to create change, we have to play our part. The Q-Communicators Working Group meets regularly online to discuss how QDN can improve the communication channels we use to reach our members, peer leaders, stakeholders, both in person and online.
Please click on this link to apply: https://forms.office.com/r/0qK3z5YPL9
Have Your Say
Have your say about the new NDIS Framework Planning Rules
The Australian Government is seeking feedback from NDIS participants and the disability community about the new NDIS framework planning process.
Starting in mid-2026, this process will include the following four steps:
- Step 1: Preparing for the support needs assessment
- Step 2: The support needs assessment
- Step 3: Building a plan and plan discussion
- Step 4: Starting to use a plan
You can have your say about the NDIS framework planning process by filling out a survey or completing a submission here: https://consultations.health.gov.au/ndis/nfp-public-consultation/
Consultation closes on 6 March 2026.
QDN News/ Events
Queensland Government Commits to Livable Housing Standards
On 21 January, the Queensland Government released its response to the Queensland Productivity Commission’s report on Construction Productivity.
The Queensland Government response to the Queensland Productivity Commission Final Report was released on 21 January 2026. This decision confirms Queensland’s commitment to accessible, safe, and future-ready homes for all Queenslanders—homes that enable people to live independently, age in place, and be part of their communities. Inclusive design benefits not only individuals and families but the broader economy and society.
This is a good result for people with disability who rely on the Livable Housing Design Standards for accessible housing.
QDN would like to thank everyone who was involved in the campaign to keep Livable Housing Design Standards and the 52 organisations who co-signed in support of the maintaining the standards.
If you would like more information on the Governments response please see the final report, as well as the original reports of the Queensland Productivity Commission here: https://qpc.qld.gov.au/content/inquiries/construction-productivity.html#register-for-regional-consu…
My Housing Options Information Sessions
About the sessions
These sessions are being held to inform people about the ‘My Housing Options’ toolkit and how to use it. The sessions are interactive, accessible, and focused on practical steps and are designed to support people at different stages of their housing journey.
Who should attend?
- people with disability, their families, and supporters
- housing providers
- disability and community sector organisations
- advocacy organisations
- government departments and statutory bodies
- staff working in mainstream services like health, housing, justice and corrections
Information sessions are coming up across the state, find out more information here: https://qdn.org.au/my-housing-options-information-sessions/
Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2025 forum
Join us as we explore this important research and find out exactly what Queenslanders with disability have said.
Hear about the trends, and the key things that stand out about shaping future direction.
Each year, information is provided by hundreds of people with disability, their families and carers and the organisations that support them to understand experiences and quality of life across different areas, such as housing, health, and community support.
Don’t miss this unique chance to uncover what the data means for you, find more information here: https://qdn.org.au/the-voice-of-queenslanders-with-disability-report-2025/
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups have started up for 2026,
Our Peer Support Groups connect people with disabilities to come together and discuss matters important to them. These groups provide safe spaces for sharing lived experiences, exchanging information, and connecting with others in their local communities or around shared topics or issues.
Peer support groups also play a crucial role in leading and influencing change within local communities. They provide a platform for people with disabilities to voice their opinions on significant issues such as housing, transport, education, employment, and human rights.
Led by individuals with disabilities who are part of the local community, these groups cover a range of topics including navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), local issues and activities, community concerns, key issues affecting people with disabilities, and supporting each other in achieving personal goals.
These groups are for networking and peer support, visit our website to find one near you:
https://qdn.org.au/ourwork/peer-support-groups/
Australian Paralympics Team
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which open on 6 March 2026 in the Arena di Verona, will showcase around 600 athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling.
The Games will mark the 50th anniversary of the first Paralympic Winter Games and also see the Games return to Italy for the second time in history, 20 years after Torino 2006.
One new medal event – wheelchair curling mixed doubles – will be featured for the first time at these Games.
The Closing Ceremony will take place on 15 March 2026 in the renovated Cortina Curling Stadium, former venue of the 1956 Olympic Winter Games.
To follow the Australian paralympic team, and their journey follow this link: https://www.paralympic.org.au/milano-cortina-2026/
Policy Submissions
Completed
Administration of the NDIS Inquiry
QDN’s submission to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Auditing was focused around the how well NDIS providers or self-managed participants understand NDIS claim requirements, and the performance of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission. QDN used previous member feedback, as well as the unique perspectives provided during QDN’s Members’ Only Forum to inform this submission.
To learn more about the inquiry, or read QDN’s submission, click here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Public_Accounts_and_Audit/Inquiry_into_the_administration_of_the_National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) Act Review
This review looked at QCAT objectives including whether QCAT is meeting its objectives, if the objectives need updating, and if there are any barriers that prevent QCAT from meeting its objectives. The review also examined the current appeal process as well as the role and structure of QCAT’s leadership team.
If you are interested in finding out more, or reading QDN’s submission, please follow this link: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/qcat-act-review-2025-26/about-the-review
Policy Updates
Education
Queensland and Federal Government Announce Applied Research Grants For Disability Support
The Queensland and Federal Governments have announced a joint Applied Research Grant program for future workers in the disability support sectors.
A pool of $1.4 million dollars has now opened giving an opportunity to research disability support services workforce across Queensland. Queensland TAFE will be responsible for delivering the grant.
Applications are open until Monday 16 March 2026.
If you are interested in this opportunity please follow the link https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/centres-of-excellence/applied-research-grants#accordion-260597ade8-item-ad66e6cffd
NDIS
Government Announces Thriving Kids Program Delay
On Friday 30 January, the Federal Government announced changes to the schedule for the Thriving Kids Program. Originally slated to begin in July, implementation of the Thriving Kids Program will now begin on 1 October, with the program expected to be fully in place from 1 January 2028.
The Government also announced an annual growth target of the NDIS of 5 to 6 percent per year with State contributions capped from 2028.
These announcements were part of a broader agreement on Health funding between State and Territory governments and the Federal Government.
For more detail on these changes please visit the link https://www.pm.gov.au/media/record-funding-public-hospitals-and-disability-reform
Transport
George Street/Roma Street Temporary Shared Path Closure
Anyone living in Brisbane, or expected to be in Brisbane please note that due to construction the current shared use path between Roma and George streets will now be from 11 February 2026 for up to 8 weeks.
If you are likely to be in or around Roma Street Station over that period of time, please follow the link for information on alternative routes https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/roma-street-construction/
Health
Auslan Interpreting Service Use in Primary Care Report Released
The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a report providing a review of Auslan interpreting services used across Australia.
The report outlines findings concerning access to interpreters, barriers for use and what improvements can be made across the primary care sector.
If you are interested in reading the report, please follow the link https://apo.org.au/node/333271?utm_campaign=Summer-Edition&utm_content=apo.org.au%2Fnode%2F333271&utm_medium=email&utm_source=comms.apo.org.au
From our Friends
Policy updates regarding other peak bodies
Expressions of Interest: Children and Young People with Disability Australia – Take Charge of Change
Children and Young People with Disability Australia have opened the second round of Take Charge of Change, their co-design groups that develop resources to assist young people with disability have the right information for starting school, landing a job or accessing a new service.
The following are encouraged to apply:
- Parents and caregivers of children with disability aged 0–7 years
- Parents and caregivers of children with disability aged 8–12 years
- Young people with disability aged 13–17 years
- Young people with disability aged 18–25 years
If you are interested, applications are open until 5pm AEDT, 15 February 2026. Please follow the link for more information https://cyda.org.au/take-charge-of-change-wave-2-expressions-of-interest-now-open/
Expression of Interest: Disability Dialogue Foundational Supports Focus Group
The Disability Dialogue is currently looking for parents to join their focus groups to discuss Foundational Supports. This is a paid opportunity, and successful applicants will be required to undertake the following.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please follow the link to learn more https://disabilitydialogue.com.au/focus-group-sign-up/
People with Disability Australia: Two Years on from the Disability Royal Commission Forum
People with Disability Australia are hosting an online forum on Friday 6 February 2026 to discuss the two years since the release of the final report from the Disability Royal Commission.
This forum will be an opportunity to reflect on what has improved in that time as well as what has not and what needs to happen next for the disability sector.
If you are interested in attending please follow the link below to register https://forms.pwd.org.au/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=41&utm_content=buffer8a084&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=Facebook+tracking
Stories
QDN’s policy team wants to hear about the issues impacting your lives. If you have a story to share, fill out a story form on our website.