From the Chairperson

I know that it is a phrase and description that is constantly used when people are taking about this moment in time, but it certainly is an unprecedented one. A moment in history that our children’s children will be learning about at school no doubt. It is a very challenging and distressing moment to be living through, especially as a person with disability. Emergencies are challenging and unpredictable, and what is happening to us and around us can seem overwhelming. However, this unprecedented event is happening all around the world right now, and it affects people differently and to various degrees.

I know that as people with disability and members of society, historically we have lived over decades and centuries experiencing social isolation, physical distancing and felt the impacts of being confined to our living environments. We understand the challenges and impacts that this can have on people, and history has taught us the importance of human connection and inclusion. I also know that as people with disability and members of this 2020 global society, that the majority of people with disability have been experiencing social inclusion, living lives being close, connected, and in community.

So this public health emergency event has significant impact on people with disability, not only in the same ways as others who are now socially isolated but it also has additional impacts relating to our disability, our additional vulnerabilities with the virus, and the systems and services we rely on to support our day to day essential needs.

I am proud to share with members that our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers have been working very hard over the past month, probably harder than they have ever worked before, to ensure that the needs, rights, and issues for people with disability are heard and strongly represented. It’s important that our voice informs the planning and emergency preparedness, and also the solutions that are going to see our way through this pandemic. QDN has been working across issues of disability services and supports, health, housing, transport, and justice as these issues cross all aspects of people’s lives and the systems that support us.

I am also pleased to let QDN members, our supporters and allies know that we have experienced an overwhelming strong commitment across our elected members of Parliament, at all levels of Government, Government Departments, Community Services Peaks, Disability Service Providers and Community providers, and the broader community, to work together to address the emerging issues. We are working together to find solutions that can uphold people’s rights and ensure they can access the essential services and supports they need.

Amongst this, QDN has also been ensuring that members and people with disability can access the information they need to get the facts about COVID-19, to be able to make your own plan for COVID-19, and to be able to stay connected with peers, friends and support networks. You can find more information below about these tools and resources. Our Local Support Groups and our statewide network of people with disability have been actively ensuring they reach out to people in their groups and their communities to support each other in this time.

We are really all in this together, and I encourage QDN members and others to reach out to each other and to QDN. Please continue to raise the issues and impacts with QDN, and we will continue to ensure that the planning and responses to this emergency are put forward and informs the solutions going forward. Stay safe and stay connected.

Nigel Webb

QDN Board of Directors

From the CEO

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the day to day challenges that we are all going through as we work through an ever-changing environment, with many and multiple changes to our day to day lives. For people with disability, this has had a range of additional impacts and changes but I would like to assure QDN members, our allies and supporters that everyone is working very hard together, from all members of Queensland Parliament, Commonwealth Government, Local Councils, Government Departments and agencies like the NDIA and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, our community and disability services organisations, and the broader community, to ensure that people with disability can get the information, services and supports they need during this time.

QDN’s office is closed and QDN staff have been working remotely like many other businesses across the world. QDN has continued, now more than ever, to work together with our state and national allies to raise critical issues and work together to find solutions to some of the impacts that this pandemic is having on the lives of people with disability. QDN has had meetings, written letters and been part of joint letters with Commonwealth Ministers, Chief Health Officers, Advisory Committees, and range of other state and national delegations. We have met with senior Government officials to continue to raise the key issues for people with disability that include ensuring access and continuity of essential daily disability and health services and supports, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed, access to digital technology and data so people can stay connected to the health and disability supports that are being delivered remotely, access to safe housing options if you have to isolate or need somewhere else to stay, access to information and resources to get the facts and make a plan for COVID-19, and the need to stay connected to friends, family and peers.

There are lots of new rules for people to follow about where we can go, who we can go with, who can come into our homes, and under what conditions. These can be very confusing to follow. There is also lots of information and misinformation out there about how to stay safe, how to stop the spread and even things that will cure COVID-19. I encourage QDN members to get the facts from places you can trust. QDN’s website has a new section for COVID-19 with lots of information and links to trusted sites. If you aren’t sure about the new rules, you can give us a call. We have also put together a new information sheet that helps explain the Queensland Chief Health Officers rules that are now in place from 30 March until the time she makes some new rules. QDN has also worked with the University of Sydney with support from the Queensland Government, to develop the Person-Centred Emergency COVID-19 Planning tool that you can use as a guide to help you make your own plan for your life and your needs during this time.

I would like to thank Dr Dinesh Palipana and Professor Nick Lennox who many of you will know from their work as doctors and champions of the rights of people with disability in the healthcare system who have taken the time to contribute their thoughts and messages for QDN members at this time for our E-Bulletin Special COVID-19 edition.

Alongside all of this, QDN continues to deliver on our funded projects and have adapted and adjusted what we are doing to continue the work in the COVID-19 environment. I encourage you to read more in the ebulletin. QDN is continuing to deliver the Targeted Outreach Project to help more Queenslanders with disability who are eligible for the NDIS be able to get the information and support they need to do this. Please contact QDN to find out more about this important work. Especially at this time, when people’s needs for disability support may be highlighted now more than ever.

Staying connected to each other has never been more important, especially to our health and wellbeing. Whilst we may have to connect in different ways, we can still stay connected. QDN’s Local Support Group Convenors have been working hard with us to look at ways and a plan for continuing to operate our local peer networks across the state. Find out more in this edition of the Ebulletin or on our website.

QDN is committed to continuing to ensure the voice and rights of people with disability is part of the planning, response and recovery to this public health emergency.It is really important that QDN members continue to raise and share the critical issues and impacts so we can continue to find collectively crafted solutions. Please stay home and stay safe as we will get through this together.

Paige Armstrong
CEO

The Latest COVID-19 News

This is a challenging and distressing time for most people, and the advice and information about COVID-19 is changing daily. QDN are working hard to make sure you have a place to go for the latest information and advice, and resources that are most helpful for people with disability.

QDN website

We want you to get the facts, make a plan and stay connected. We are updating our website regularly with COVID-19 information.

In our Get the Facts section you can find the latest news on COVID-19, Easy English information, where to go for trusted information on COVID 19, what the rules are for staying home at this point in time and where you can go to get help if you need it. Click here to read more.

In Make a Plan you will find practical tools, resources and tips for developing your own COVID-19 preparedness plan. Having a plan for what you will do to have to stay home or what you would do if you or someone you know who supports you got sick is very important at this time. Click here to read more.

On our Stay Connected section you will find Information on how to stay socially connected and Important contacts and phone numbers. Click here to read more.

QDN Launches individual COVID-19 planning tool for people with disability

We all need to be prepared and know what to do before, during, and after an emergency. People with disability may need additional support, resources, or advocacy during this health emergency.

QDN has worked with the University of Sydney to develop the COVID-19 Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (PCEP) planning tool, funded with support from the Queensland Government Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.

Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, Coralee O’Rourke and Paige Armstrong (QDN CEO), recently discussed the valuable role the tool will play in supporting people with disability to understand what they need to do to stay safe and make a plan detailing how they can continue to get essential services during this COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the Ministers Media Release.

You can go to the resource at the link here.

We have also prepared a separate document which only has the planning pages.  You can access it here.

New COVID-19 home confinement, outdoor gatherings and visitors

Under the Queensland Government’s new COVID-19 restriction rules, you should not leave your home unless absolutely necessary. You can only leave your home for the following permitted reasons:

• to obtain essential goods and services
• receive medical treatment or health care services
• exercise, either alone or with one other person or those who reside in the same household
• do work or volunteering that is essential and cannot be done from home
• visit another person’s house, as long as there are no more than 2 people who are not ordinarily members of that household
• visit a terminally ill relative or attend a funeral
• assist, care for or support immediate family members or close friends
• attend a childcare facility, school, university, or other educational institution to receive instruction that is not possible to receive at home.
• to avoid illness, injury or the risk of harm
• to comply with directions of police, a court order or a government agency.

If you do need to leave your home for one of these permitted reasons, you may do so with members of your household, or with one person who is not a member of your household.
If you need assistance to go out, you can be accompanied by more than one person who is not a member of your household, for example a person with a disability may be accompanied by more than one support worker.

QDN has written the important new rules about Home Confinement, Outdoor Gatherings, Visitors at home in an easy to read format. Click here to access them.

The government strongly urges people aged over 70, anybody over 60 with a chronic disease, and Indigenous people over 50 to stay at home for their own protection.
If you are not sure you can call QDN on 1300 363 783 or the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787.

Community Recovery Hotline

The Community Recovery Hotline is now open. Their number is 1800 173 349. This hotline helps people with disability and older Queenslanders, who have no supports, get the essentials they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. You are eligible for assistance if you do not have other people (e.g. family, friends or support workers), who can help you. You can also register another person if they are unable to register themselves, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. You do not need to prove your disability with any documentation.

It will take a few days from when you ring the hotline until you receive the support you need. If you need help, do not leave it until the last minute, plan ahead.

When you call, the Community Recovery team will take some details from you about your situation. They will pass these details onto the right people to get you connected with the Care Army – a team of volunteers and charity organisations operating across Australia. The volunteers and organisations in your local area can help you to get food, essential items, and medication. In many communities, people are also available to assist you to get to medical appointments, and with gardening. The hotline can also help to connect you with emotional support, if you need someone to talk to.

QDN has prepared some frequently asked questions about the hotline. Click here.

QDN Facebook Page

We are regularly updating our Facebook page with the latest news and information.

If you like our page and follow us you will keep getting updates.

Click here to go to our page.

Messages From our colleagues

We have been working closely with a broad range of our colleagues and allies during this pandemic. One is a medical person who has lived experience of disability and another a doctor who has worked for over 25 years to improve the health care of people with disability. Both people have been working closely with QDN during this time to help us ensure that the voice of people with disability is heard during the planning of responses that are developed for people with disability during COVID-19.

Dr Dinesh Palipana

Dinesh Palipana was the second person to graduate medical school with quadriplegia in Australia. Halfway through medical school, he was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident that caused a cervical spinal cord injury. As a result of his injury and experiences, Dinesh has been an advocate for inclusivity in medicine and the workplace generally. He is a lecturer at the Griffith University. Dinesh was the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service’s Junior Doctor of the Year for 2018. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019.

I am a doctor who works in the emergency department at the Gold Coast University Hospital. I have a spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia. As a result of my experiences, I have given a lot of thought about people with disabilities during COVID-19.

COVID-19 has a unique impact on people with disabilities. The pandemic impacts logistical challenges, medical vulnerabilities, and human rights. Early in the pandemic, the World Health Organisation1 and medical professionals2 flagged the need to ensure an inclusive response. In the United States, the Office of Civil Rights issued a bulletin to remind healthcare providers about their ethical obligations towards people with disabilities.

In addition to medical vulnerabilities that place people with certain disabilities at high risk, and logistical challenges from unique lifestyles; access to healthcare is an important issue in an uncontrolled pandemic. This bundle of problems can be avoided one way until we have a vaccine or effective treatment – by preventing the spread of COVID-19. We need specific advice and support for people with disabilities on self-isolation with their carers.

Australia is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. States within Australia have enacted human rights legislation. These instruments protect the rights of people with disabilities in accessing health care. In the event that Australia faces an overwhelming pandemic, the law protects people with disabilities. The laws also protect their rights to make healthcare choices as autonomously as possible.

It is important to know these rights. Be aware of who can advocate for them. Understand how to escalate concerns within hospital systems. Australia is a lucky country to enjoy the social structures that we have to support people with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic is a test of our resolve. By being prepared and upholding our values, our social structure will come out stronger than ever.
1. United Nations. Preventing discrimination against people with disabilities in COVID-19 response. 2020. (https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059762 Published 19 March 2020).
2. Armitage R, Nellums L. The COVID-19 response must be disability inclusive. The Lancet Public Health. 2020. doi:10.1016/s2468-2667(20)30076-1
3. Ault A. HHS Investigating Complaints Over Ventilator Rationing in Disabled. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/927718 Published March 28, 2020. Accessed April 3, 2020.

Professor Nick Lennox

Professor Nick Lennox was the Director of University of Queensland’s, Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD). He has provided physical and mental healthcare to adults with developmental disability over a 28-year period in Melbourne and Brisbane.

He feels passionately about improving the health and health care of people with developmental disability, especially when this is driven by empowering adult with a disability, their families and supporters, and healthcare providers. He most recently appearing as an expert witness at the Disability Royal Commission and advising the state and federal governments about strategies to mitigate the effect of Covid-19 on people with disabilities.

My work over a quarter of a century has focused on trying improve the healthcare of people with disability and for me, I have been shocked by the impact of the pandemic for people with disabilities and their lives. After months of reading and “talking” with people these are my thoughts for what is important for people at this time.

There is lots of information out there so please oh please follow the scientific advice – see Health Departments and QDN’s resources and other various links. The key elements are:

• Practice physical distancing but enhance social connection. This must be crafted by each person to maximise connection with supports, including support workers friends and family.
• Connection feels good and like relaxation, a good diet and exercise improves our immune systems.
• Pay meticulous attention to washing hands and cleaning surfaces, especially when others outside your household have touched these surfaces.
• As well as you being able to do these things, I think it is also important to insist that your support staff and people in your household follow these key elements and are honest and have integrity in their support to you.
• Know that people with disability, advocacy groups, health professionals, service providers, government departments and the community are acting with focus and haste to address this challenge. QDN have had direct input into both the national plan and the Queensland response including supported strong advocacy to ensure people with disabilities are valued within the health and hospital systems.
• Take time to be kind to yourself and look after yourself – meditation, relaxation, good diet, exercise and connecting with those you love and love you.

This is a time to pull together and build community where ever that may be or by whatever means.

COVID-19 Contact Information and Resources for Members

Important Contact Points

Australian Government COVID-19 Disability Information Helpline 1800 643 787

QDN Local Support Groups 1300 363 783

Queensland Health for health advice or information 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

NDIS Participant Information and FAQ’s 1800 800 110 or click here

COVID-19 National hotline for people with symptoms 1800 022 222

COVID-19 National hotline for non-medical information 1800 020 080

Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349

You can go to this website link for more information about where to go if you need help during COVID-19.

COVID-19 Easy English Resources

QDN is working with the Queensland Government to ensure Queenslanders with disability can get the information, resources and tools they need to prepare for this evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to go to these and other resources on our website.

We have developed 4 new easy english accessible resources. The topics are:
• COVID-19 new rules explained
• What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• What does Self-quarantine Mean?
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Essential Items Checklist

Local Support Group Update

Local Support Groups – staying connected during COVID-19

QDN has been working with Local Support Group Convenors to find ways that Local Support Groups can stay connected and keep meeting during this COVID-19 situation.

In March, two groups trialled new ways for groups to meet. The Toowoomba Local Support Group held their monthly March meeting using the Toowoomba Local Support Group closed Facebook Group. Group Convenors, Nadia and Sharon presented information on discovering sensory needs and creating your own sensory tool. 14 members joined the meeting providing real time comments.

The Sunnybank Local Support Group held their first Zoom video conference meeting in March. Members joined a virtual online meeting. The Local Support Groups will continue to be meeting in April online. If you would like to be involved in your Local Support Group meeting you can out details here.

QDN will also be sending out meeting invitations for Local support Group meetings with the zoom meeting links.

If you are not sure how to use Zoom and want to join a meeting contact QDN on 1300 363 783 or lsg@qdn.org.au at least 24 hours before the meeting and we can help you to connect.

Local Support Group closed Facebook pages

Another way you can stay connected with your Local Support Group is through the closed Facebook groups. QDN has set up closed Facebook group for each of QDN’s Local Support Groups. The online chat groups are there for people with disability to connect with other people, share information and talk about ways to stay safe and healthy during this time.

If you are interested in joining the closed Facebook group in your area click on the link on QDN’s website to register to be a member.

Group Convenors working together from afar

QDN’s Group Convenors are staying in touch with each other so they can provide group member with up to date information. Group Convenors are meeting online regularly to talk about the topics that are most important to their members. It is great to see everyone still staying connected during this time, sharing information and helping each other get through this together.

QDN Projects

During COVID-19 QDN is progressing with our funded projects and continuing to deliver on the good work. Below is an update on QDN’s projects. This includes the work we have done and will continue to do, and our plan for COVID-19.

NDIS Targeted Outreach Project

Do you know someone who might be eligible for the NDIS but needs some extra support to learn about what it is and how it can assist them in their daily life?

Do you know people with disability (and/or their families) who need some extra help with the paper work to get together an NDIS access request?

Do you know people with disability who need someone to undertake functional assessments at no cost to the person for their NDIS access request?

Are you working with someone who you think is eligible and they have made an application but had it knocked back?

QDN and our partners are working to deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Targeted Outreach Project. The project is working with people with disability, families, local community organisations and voluntary groups to help more Queenslanders with disability get the help they need from the NDIS. With the COVID-19 public health emergency, people with disability are experiencing isolation and limited supports and services to assist them in their daily lives. Now more than ever, vulnerable people in the community will benefit from accessing the NDIS.

QDN, Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS), Aged and Disability Advocacy (ADA) Australia are working together to identify vulnerable people within communities across Queensland, to help them understand the NDIS, what is in it for them, and how to access the scheme. This work is funded through a collaboration between Queensland Government and Commonwealth Government.

So far, the NDIS has made a difference in the lives of over 55,000 Queenslanders with disability. However, there are many more people with disability across the state who may be eligible but are not currently accessing the NDIS. They may have experienced challenges in accessing the NDIS before, may still be trying to understand the NDIS and deciding if it is for them, or may need additional assistance with getting their paperwork and information together.

The NDIS Targeted Outreach Project will work closely with the Assessment and Referral Team (ART) within the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors and the project team will connect potential NDIS participants to ART for assistance. ART will provide case management to people with disability to maximise the likelihood of a successful application to the NDIS.

The project will provide support to people with disability, including but not limited to –

• People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds,
• People from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds,
• Young people leaving school,
• Children or young people in special schools,
• Children or young people in youth detention,
• Adults in prison or leaving prison,
• Adults on a community service order,
• People living in hostel, supported accommodation, caravan parks, social housing, community housing or homeless, and
• People with disability who are not in the groups above but would like to have further information and assistance with NDIS access.

The project is currently on the ground in the following communities over the next three months

1. Maryborough, Fraser Coast, and surrounds,
2. Sunshine Coast and surrounds, and
3. Moreton and surrounds.

In accordance with COVID-19 Guidelines, QDN want to connect with local organisations, community groups and individual people with disabilities in these areas. Can you engage and reach out to people in your community who may need extra help to apply for the NDIS? Are you a person with disability who may benefit from NDIS support and would like to know more? Contact QDN on 1300 363 783 or email targetedoutreach@qdn.org.au for more information.

Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction

On the 27th and 28th of February peer leaders with disability from across Queensland travelled to Brisbane to take part in a ‘Person Centred Emergency Preparedness’ training, facilitated by QDN and Michelle Villenueve from the University of Sydney. The training was co-led by people with disability and had guest speakers from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and local emergency services personnel. Over the two days the peer leaders learnt about disaster management, started developing their own formal emergency preparedness plans, and shared their thoughts and insights from their own experience, including on how best to support others.

Since the February meeting, QDN’s work on disability inclusive disaster risk reduction has been focused on developing resources and providing support to people with disability around the COVID-19 emergency.

Changing Lives, Changing Communities

On 3 and 4 March over 60 people came together for Round 2 of Changing Lives Changing Communities Brisbane, to take their place in creating community change. Over the two days participants were involved in conversations about how to create a community where everyone contributes, matters and belongs. We worked together to support leaders to develop action plans for a range of community projects.

Changing Lives Changing Communities Gold Coast and Normanton forums postponed due to COVID-19.

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, QDN, QCOSS and Queensland Human Rights Commission have postponed the Changing Lives Changing Communities forums planned for the Gold Coast in May, and Normanton in June. For QDN members in those locations, we will keep you up to date with any future plans and dates.

For more information click here.

QDN’s Policy Work

Key Information for QDN Members about a range of COVID-19

Economic Support Payments for DSP recipients

As part of the federal government’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19) two Economic Support Payments have been announced for people who are on income support payments such as the Disability Support Pension (DSP), the Job Seeker Payment (used to be called Newstart) or a Pensioner Concession Card.

You will be paid the first $750 one off Economic Support Payment if you’re living in Australia and get an eligible payment or concession between 12 March 2020 and 13 April 2020. You will only get one payment, even if you get more than one qualifying income support or concession. Many people have already received this first payment; however, it may come into people’s accounts over the next week.

You may get a second $750 Economic Support Payment if you get an eligible payment or concession card on 10 July 2020. The second payment will hit bank accounts from 13 July 2020. You won’t get the second Economic Support Payment if you get the Coronavirus Supplement.

You do not need to apply for Economic Support Payments. It will be included in your regular payment.

Essential Services

NDIS

Priority Grocery Home Delivery for NDIS Participants

The NDIA is working with Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Foodworks to make sure NDIS participants who need support to get their groceries have priority for home delivery services.

This means that NDIS participants can now buy grocery items online to be delivered to their home. The NDIA will send all participants a unique home delivery access code by SMS or email.

To access priority home delivery services:

• Complete your shopping online for home delivery with participating supermarket retailers.
• When prompted enter your unique priority home delivery code.
• Submit your order.

More information about this service is available on the NDIA website.

QDN understands that this new service won’t fit everyone’s needs, particularly people with disability who don’t have an NDIS plan, access to internet or a PayPal, Credit Card or Debit Card. We will continue to advocate for more support to ensure all Queenslanders with disability have the supports they need.

Queenslanders with disability, who may not be able to access this service and need help to get essential food, household items and medicines are encouraged to phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Smart devices

The NDIA have announced that participants will be able to use their core supports funding to buy a smart device to help them stay connected with their Allied Health and disability supports.
This is something that QDN members have been pushing for since the start of the COVID-19 event because we know that many people with disability do not have access to smart devices that connect online.

Generally, your NDIS funding is for your disability-related needs. Daily living expenses like groceries, rent, bills (including internet charges) are a personal expense. You cannot use your NDIS funding to pay for day-to-day items. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic response, we know there are innovative ways in which providers and Allied Health professionals are still providing services using telepractice or telehealth.

So the NDIA have announced that if you don’t have a smart device, or other equipment that will help you get the NDIS supports and services you need, they encourage you to use your plan flexibly to purchase a device. That way you can stay connected to your providers. Participants can use their NDIS funding to purchase low cost assistive technology items if:

• the item will maintain the provision of other funded NDIS supports, and
• the participant does not already have the item, another suitable item, or access to purchase the item through other means, and
• the item has not been funded by another service system such as education or health.

Participants will not require occupational therapy assessments if the device is under $1,500. However, the NDIA will be providing further information on how these items can be purchased soon. We will be sure to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Domestic and family violence support

The Queensland Government has announced an extra $5.5 million to boost domestic and family violence (DFV) services and make sure there’s capacity to respond to Queenslanders who are experiencing DFV during COVID-19.

Queensland Police have launched online reporting, so if you aren’t in immediate danger, but need help and think the safest way for you to contact police is online, you can click here.

• If you are at immediate risk of danger – call 000.
• If you aren’t in danger right now but need help, call Policelink on 131 444 or report online.
• If you need information or support, call 1800 RESPECT or click here.

Energy

The Queensland Government has announced a $200 rebate (credit) for all Queensland households to offset the cost of electricity bills. You do not have to do anything to receive this as it will automatically be applied through household electricity bills.

Electricity suppliers will not disconnect power for householders experiencing hardship due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. They have stopped disconnecting power for unpaid bills in Queensland for households facing genuine hardship. People are urged to contact their energy supplier if they are having difficulties paying their energy bills due to COVID-19.

Transport

3-month credit on all Queensland road tolls

Transurban, the operator of Queensland toll roads are now offering three months credit to those impacted by COVID-19. Eligible customers include:
• People who have lost their jobs or experienced significant reduction in hours directly as a result of COVID-19
• Healthcare workers
• Aged and disability carers
• Emergency service personnel
• Where customers do not meet the full criteria for the toll credit, but have been impacted by COVID-19, consideration will be given to applying a partial toll credit.

For more information and to register, click here:

Health

Testing for COVID-19 expands in Queensland ‘hot spots’

Testing for coronavirus is now available to anyone with symptoms in hotspots across Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns.

It means that when people go to their GP or a fever clinic, they will also be tested for COVID-19 if they have any respiratory symptoms like a cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath.

National health plan for people with disability

The federal government has announced a new advisory committee to focus on the unique health needs of people with disability during COVID-19 pandemic. QDN welcomes and has been calling for a focus on people with disability alongside other peaks. The advisory committee has been asked to provide expert advice to inform the development and oversee the implementation of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability (the Plan). QDN has been part of national working group to contribute to the development of this plan which is going to National Cabinet on 16 April 2020. We will update members on the Committee’s work as the information comes to hand.

Housing

Evictions put on hold for renters

The federal and state governments have agreed on new policies to protect renters. Evictions will be put on hold over the next six months for residential tenancies who are unable to pay rent due to the impact of COVID-19. This is not a blanket end to evictions. Evictions may still occur for other reasons such as if tenants significantly damage the property or if the landlord needs to move in because of financial distress.

QDN look forwards to more detail about how these plans will be implemented and will keep you informed. Tenants who are having difficulties liaising with their landlord or agent can call Tenants Queensland on 1300 744 263.

Anyone experiencing rental stress as a result of COVID-19 should call the Homelessness Hotline on 1800 474 753.

COVID-19 rental grant

Funding is available for Queenslanders who have lost their job due to the impacts of COVID-19 and who do not have access to other financial assistance.

The COVID-19 rental grant is a one-off payment of up to four weeks rent (to a maximum of $2,000).

Eligibility criteria includes:

• the grant is only for those who have lost their job due to the impacts of COVIC-19,
• People have applied to Centrelink for income support and are waiting for their application with Centrelink to be approved.

For more information and eligibility criteria visit the Queensland Government website.

COVID-19 rental bond loans

The Queensland Government has also extended rental bond loans for people impacted by COVID-19 and those who may have lost their income.

A Bond Loan is an interest-free loan to cover your rental bond when moving into private rental housing. The loan is up to a maximum of 4 weeks rent and must be repaid. To find out more about rental bond loans, including eligibility and application forms, click here.

Homelessness support

The Queensland Government has established an Immediate Response Fund of $24.7 million to respond to the housing, homelessness and to support the needs of vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For people in urgent housing need, specialist homelessness services will have access to funding to deliver additional services, such as motel or hotel accommodation for individuals and families who need to self-isolate or otherwise need temporary accommodation.

There is also additional funding to help with a disability may require an extra helping hand to safely remain in their homes, self-isolate and continue to access the essential services they need to remain safe and healthy during this time. Home Assist Secure (HAS) services are reaching out to previous and current clients, and proactively expanding their current services to include tasks such as deliveries of groceries (‘knock and drop’ where required), medications and other wellbeing materials. HAS services will also offer regular welfare checks and referrals to community services and continue to deliver existing home security and minor modification services.

For more information on how you can access these supports, click here.

Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability

The Royal Commission have released a Statement of Concern – The response to the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disability. Key areas of concern are:
• Access to health care
• Essential support services
• Accessible information
• Access to food and nutrition
• Employment and income security
• Reduce oversight in closed residential settings
• Increased risk of First Nations people.

The Royal Commission calls upon all governments to ensure that, in their responses, they include dedicated strategies to protect and support people with disability. You can read the full Statement here.

Disability Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has suspended all public hearings and events until further notice due to COVID-19.

Face to face private sessions have also been suspended for the time being. The Royal Commission has been contacting all those directly affected, such as witnesses and people who have registered for community forums, to inform them of the decision. The Commission is considering the implications of this situation for its timetable. People can continue to tell the Royal Commission about their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. They can do this in any way they choose, by phone, in writing or by making an audio or video recording.

The Commission has just released an issues paper “Emergency Planning and Response” calling for submissions to this paper by 17 July 2020. This is a very important issue and QDN will engage with members to inform this submission. Click here to read more.

The Commission will also continue to provide regular updates on their website and through their social media channels.