QDN e-News Update - 14 June 2024
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Launch of Game Changers Report
QDN was pleased to launch the "Games Changers Report" on June 3rd 2024 in conjunction with Urbis.
This report aims to ignite a transformative change in employment opportunities for people with disability in Queensland. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the current employment landscape for people with disability and provides strategic recommendations to shape and enhance the employment ecosystem leading up to, during, and following the 2032 Games.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a unique chance to close the employment gap and create meaningful career pathways for individuals with disability across the state. The report also highlights invaluable lessons and opportunities gleaned from other major global events.
Read the report here: Game Changers Report - Queenslanders With Disability Network (qdn.org.au)
QDN Conversations: Catch Up Meetings
We are excited to catch up with our members and supporters through our QDN Conversations 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. This week, we are in Cairns and Mareeba. Upcoming locations include Toowoomba, followed by Mt Isa and Townsville, with more to be scheduled soon.
QDN AGM and Call for Expressions of Interest for Board Director Nominations
An email has been sent out to members regarding the QDN Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the call for Expressions of Interest for nominations to the Board of Directors. The nomination period is open until 8:00 am on Monday, 1 July.
To participate, visit QDN’s website where you can find the EOI form. As part of the nomination process, individuals are required to prepare a short statement outlining their lived experience, professional skills, and what they can bring to QDN’s Board. A CV/resume is also required.
To apply, please click the link below to access the Application Form. This form must be accompanied by a personal short statement. Read on for detailed application instructions.
For more information how to apply click here:
https://qdn.org.au/invitation-to-submit-eoi-directors-elections-2024/
2024-25 Federal Budget key points
The Federal Budget for 2024 is available on the website highlighting a range of key elements affecting people with disability.
Click here to read all key points: https://qdn.org.au/2024-25-federal-budget-key-points/
Reade the Federal Budget here: https://budget.gov.au/
Access the Snapshot here: https://www.pbo.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/budget-charts/2024-25-budget-snapshot
Breaking the Glass Ceiling and smashing the legacy of low expectations – QDN position paper
Women with disability face numerous barriers to economic participation, including employment, in Queensland. These barriers encompass discrimination, lack of accessibility, limited education and training opportunities, inadequate support services, negative societal attitudes, family and domestic violence, lack of affordable and accessible housing, overrepresentation in the child safety system and other social issues.
This position paper aims to delve into these multifaceted challenges comprehensively, advocating for the rights of women with disability and making recommendations for the Queensland government, businesses, universities, and the community sector to address them effectively.
Click the link below to read the position paper:
The highlights from QDN's stall at the Brisbane Disability Connection Expo 2024
Videos are now available on the QDN website. All videos capture QDN's best moments from the event, featuring insightful talks by Michelle Moss and Talitha Kingsmill Couch, as well as interviews with expo organizer River Night. Additionally, there are reflections and interactions from QDN members and staff over the two-day event.
Click here to watch and experience some moments and the vibrant engagement that took place at the QDN stall.
See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me. Disability Awareness Campaign.
QDN is proud to have been part of this co-design campaign with Queensland Health (a first of its kind). This powerful campaign, called 'See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.', was inspired by the experiences of QDN members, as well as other people with disabilities, who face numerous challenges in accessing healthcare and communicating their health needs to health practitioners.
Through this campaign, Queensland Health and QDN hopes to encourage people to take action and make a real difference in the lives of people with disability.
Click the link below to watch some of the campaign videos:
Policy update
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:
- Automated vehicle safety reforms – due 11 June 2024
- National Construction Code 2025 Public Comment – due 1 July 2024
- NDIS — General Issues Inquiry – due 30 June 2024
- Independent Human Rights Review – due 21 June 2024
- Draft National Urban Policy – due 4 July 2024
Submissions the policy team has completed since the last e-news
- 2023–24 Severe Weather Season Review
- Consultation on Draft Statewide Oral Health Services Plan
- Draft National Autism Strategy submission
Catch up on previous forums
NDIS Bill - QDN member forum - Summary report and recording
On Wednesday 15 May 2024, QDN held a member forum to discuss the NDIS Bill. Thank you to everyone who participated in this forum, we appreciate you sharing your insights and ideas.
We encourage members to watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/hYJ226lBu4g
You can read the summary report here: Link to webpage when signed off by MM
MyMedicare Information Session for QDN Members – Q&A and PowerPoint Slides
On Wednesday 28 February, QDN heled an online information session about MyMedicare with guest speaker Angela How from Brisbane South PHN. Thank you to all who participated in this session.
Members are encouraged to watch the recording here.
You can read the Q&A here: QDN MyMedicare Information Session Summary Feb 28 2024
Looks through the PowerPoint slides here: MyMedicare QDN PowerPoint Presentation
Policy updates
NDIS Bill Amendment
Following two days of Senate Committee hearings regarding the NDIS Bill which QDN spoke at, the Federal Government responded immediately by releasing an amendment to Section 10 of the Bill regarding definition of NDIS Supports.
Rather than listing specific CRPD articles and Supports in the Bill, the Amendment states the NDIS Rules can declare a support an “NDIS Support” if it helps the government implement the CRPD (or other international agreements). The Section 10 Amendment states that a support is an NDIS Support for a person who is a participant or prospective participant if the support is declared by the NDIS Rules.
We understand the intention is for the Rules to be co-designed. There is still concern that until the rules are in place and the States have agreed to them, APTOS will still apply.
More information here: https://www.dss.gov.au/exposure-draft-section-10-amendments
NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce update
In a webinar on 24 May, the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce shared what they have heard during consultations and to talk about three ideas for a way forward. The webinar provided an opportunity for people to have their say on these ideas:
- a narrowed definition of a provider,
- a light touch with registration requirements, and
- risk-proportionate worker registration.
More information here: https://www.nds.org.au/index.php/news/Breaking-News-NDIS-Provider-and-Worker-Registration-Taskforce-provides-update
Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKkOolxjfHc
The Taskforce is conducting two additional open roundtables to further engage the sector on what they have heard during consultations on the new graduated risk-proportionate regulatory model proposed in the NDIS Review Final Report. These are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, 11 June 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm (this date has now passed)
- Friday, 14 June 2024, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
You will need to register to attend the roundtable: https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-worker-and-registration-taskforce-open-roundtables/tickets
Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Bill 2024
On Monday 29 April, QDN CEO Michelle Moss appeared before the Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee in response to QDN's submission to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Bill 2024.
You can watch the recording here (go to 1 hour, 22 minutes in): https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Live-and-Archived-Broadcasts/video-on-demand/player/eeaa73852c5f4b2189cadf1b7b5480f0
Read the Committee’s report here: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/docs/find.aspx?id=5724T762
NDIS Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill 2024
On Tuesday 21 May, QDN CEO Michelle Moss appeared before Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee in response to QDN's submission to National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024.
You can watch the recording here: https://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Read_Listen/ParlView/video/2476904 (go to 13:26)
Independent Human Rights Review – consultations open
Consultations are now open for the Independent Human Rights Review. The review team wants to hear from Queensland citizens that may be most affected by a lack of human rights protections.
The QDN policy team will be writing a submission to the Review, please contact them at qdn@qdn.org.au or call 1300 363 783 to be involved.
Consultations close on 21 June 2024.
More information about how to make a submission can be found here: https://www.humanrightsreview.qld.gov.au/
National study of ageing with Fragile X Syndrome in Australia
Centre for Disability Studies has partnered with Fragile X Association on a national study on the support needs, health and wellbeing of adults with Fragile X syndrome as they age.
The survey is for parents or other members of a family of an adult (aged 18 or over) who has Fragile X syndrome.
The survey is closing 17 June 2024.
More information can be found here: https://www.fragilex.org.au/survey-for-families-of-adults-with-fragile-x-syndrome/
Tenants Qld Rental Vulnerability Index
The Rental Vulnerability Index (RVI) is a tool that can be used to find out the rental vulnerability in your area defined by postcode. ‘Rental vulnerability’ is the vulnerability of persons to problems that may make their rental housing unaffordable, insecure, or inappropriate, and which therefore indicates a need for tenant advisory services.
This unique tool uses thirteen indicators of rental vulnerability, and it is highlighted into two broad groups: 'dwelling indicators' (public/community housing, boarding houses, residential parks, owner occupied) and 'people indicators' (younger, older, unemployed, single parent).
Explore the tool here: www.rentalvulnerability.org.au
Learn more about the project here: https://tenantsqld.org.au/rvi/
2024 Rental Affordability Snapshot released
Every year, Anglicare Australia tests if it is possible for people on low incomes to rent a home in the private market. They do this by taking a snapshot of the thousands of properties listed for rent on realestate.com.au and test whether each property is affordable and suitable for people on low incomes. In response to the findings, Anglicare Australia is calling on the Government to return to directly funding and providing housing itself, instead of leaving housing to the private sector.
Read the snapshot here: https://www.anglicare.asn.au/publications/2024-rental-affordability-snapshot/
Passenger Assistance and Service Standards in Personalised Transport
Service standards are in place to strengthen customer, driver and vehicle safety in personalised transport (PT), as well as improving transparency on fares and passenger rights.
Passenger Assistance
- If requested, in personalised transport drivers must assist passengers to board and enter their vehicle and help load and unload luggage without charges, provided it is reasonable.
- Passengers can request a receipt which must include a breakdown of the total fare and any payment surcharges.
Accessibility and The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS)
- Drivers must not refuse to provide a service because a passenger is accompanied by an assistance animal, or is a member of the TSS.
- Drivers cannot start the taximeter until after a TSS member using a wheelchair or mobility scooter is loaded and secured in the vehicle.
- For all TSS journeys and all journeys for people using a wheelchair in a wheelchair accessible taxi, the taximeter must be activated to calculate the fare.
- After a TSS card is swiped for a in personalised transport journey, the driver must return the TSS card to the passenger.
For more information visit Taxi Service Standards, Ride-booking Service Standards and Limousine Service Standards.
Secure Taxi Ranks
Under the secure taxi ranks program, taxi rank marshals, security guards and CCTV monitoring are provided for enhanced safety and efficiency. Secure taxi ranks operate in popular nightlife precincts on Friday and Saturday nights and for select special events.
Secure rank staff are specially trained to manage the safety of passengers, drivers and their vehicles and other road users. They can be challenging roles, but marshal and security staff take great pride in helping to deliver safety and public order outcomes at their ranks and to ensure safe late-night journeys for drivers and passengers.
More than four million passengers used secure ranks in the 2022-23 year, and patronage numbers are on the rise.
More information here: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/taxi-and-limousine/industry-information/taxi/secure-taxi-ranks
Suncorp Stadium accessible set down/pick up zones
Suncorp Stadium provides two dedicated zones for wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) and other vehicles to set down and pick up passengers with disability. After events, up to 10 vehicles, including WATs, can wait in these zones for people with disability who are exiting the Stadium.
These accessible zones are located at:
- Caxton Street – between Hale Street and Castlemaine Street, immediately north of Gates D and E (northern entry gates)
- Castlemaine Street – corner of Chippendall Street, close to lift access for Gates A and B (southern entry gates). Entry is via the roundabout at Castlemaine Street/Heussler Terrace intersection only – not via Milton Road.
Drivers may need to advise Traffic Control Officers in attendance that they are setting down/picking up a passenger with disability, to ensure that the dedicated zone is kept for its intended purpose.
WATs may also use the general taxi rank in Castlemaine Street near Caxton Street outside Sports House, or the secure taxi rank on Petrie Terrace.
For further information, please refer to the Suncorp Stadium website where you can find descriptions and maps of the dedicated set down and pick up zones and taxi ranks, along with information about road closures and the stadium’s Traffic Management Plan.
More information: https://suncorpstadium.com.au/the-venue/accessibility.aspx
Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) Reforms
The Australian Government recently published the outcome of its review of the Transport Standards to improve public transport accessibility and remove discrimination against people with disability.
As part of this, the Australian Government developed the Decision Regulation Impact Statement outlining the options, findings from public consultation and the costs and benefits for improvement options.
More information on this decision can be found at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-accessibility/reform-disability-standards-accessible-public-transport-2002-transport-standards
60-day prescriptions scheme has been widened
Nearly 200 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines are now available for a 60-day prescription for a range of stable ongoing health conditions.
This will give many Australians twice the amount of their medication on a single prescription.
To qualify, patients must:
- live with a stable ongoing health condition,
- have discussed their medication with their prescriber and be assessed as suitable, and
- have received a new 60-day prescription.
- This change is the second of three planned stages to introduce 60-day prescriptions over 12 months. When fully implemented by 1 September 2024, 60-day prescriptions will be available for around 300 PBS medicines.
Learn more here: https://www.health.gov.au/cheaper-medicines
What's on
To stay updated on what’s happening with the Peer Support Group, DIDRR Workshops, and Policy Forums, please visit our website. You can find this information under the 'Events' page and the QDN Calendar for upcoming 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
40 Symposium Attendance Grants Available
Woman's & Leadership Australia is offering full attendance grants to women and gender-diverse people who play active leadership roles in their community but are unable to attend due lack of funding or employer support.
These grants cover the full ticket price for the recipient to attend the Symposium
Through this initiative we’re supporting the development of a pipeline of leaders in different communities, and ensuring diverse views are represented at the events.
The grants will be awarded to current and aspiring women and gender diverse leaders.
- Brisbane – 19 July 2024
Applications close 7 weeks before Symposium. All applicants will be contacted 6 weeks before the event to be informed of the outcome of their application.
For more information click here - https://www.wla.edu.au/eventgrants/
Mental Health Peer - Work Scholarships
Round 5 open until 11:59pm Tuesday 18 June
Applicants wishing to apply for TAFE mid-year 2024 intake need to apply by 11:59pm Wednesday 22 May The Peer Work Scholarships Program is an initiative of the Australian
Government Department of Health. The Program aims to strengthen and grow the mental health and suicide prevention Lived Experience workforce by funding scholarships to support people to undertake the Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work.
The Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) has been contracted by the Queensland Mental Health Commission to lead the project to deliver the scholarships in Queensland.
This year there are 118 Mental Health Peer Work Scholarship packages available.
An online information session is happening on Wednesday, May 15, from 2pm to 3pm, or on Monday, June 3, from 2pm to 3pm. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the scholarship package and the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work.
To learn more about the Peer Work Scholarship Program and apply today visit the website: www.qamh.org.au/scholarships
Burnout in disabled activists
Are you a person with disability who plays a role in advocating for change? How does it make you feel every time you have to advocate for disability inclusion or improved access?
Professor Gregor Wolbring from the University of Calgary is an international professor in disability scholarship with personal experience of being a disabled activist.
He is studying the experience of burnout among disabled people, disability activists, and disability allies. If you complete this survey, you will be contributing to international understanding about this important topic.
If you would like to help, please complete a 30-minute online survey on this topic. The survey is completely anonymous and confidential.
Approved by Ethics ID REB23-0605, Calgary
If you have any queries, please contact:
- Professor Gregor Wolbring
- University of Calgary
- Phone: (1-403)210-7083
- Email: gwolbrin@ucalgary.ca
- https://contacts.ucalgary.ca/info/chs/profiles/1-4840150
- Click here to complete the anonymous survey: https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_1BnnPtOCjFEkn1Y
