QDN e-News - Thursday 17 July 2025

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2025 Queensland Disability Conference – 29 August 

QDN, in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the 2025 Queensland Disability Conference — ‘Unlocking Potential: Reforms, Innovation and Inclusion’.  

Event highlights will include discussions on rights and discrimination, disability reforms, employment and social impact, and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The online event will be held on an interactive platform, where you will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other attendees, whilst watching a live feed of the presentation 

Date: Friday 29 August 2025 
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-queensland-disability-conference-online  

Recruitment underway for the Queensland Carers Advisory Council 2026-2028 term

The Council provides advice to the Honourable Amanda Camm, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence on strategies to increase recognition and support for carers by government agencies and the broader community.

Carers make an extraordinary contribution to the lives of the people they care for – and to our communities as a whole. We are looking for carers; representatives from organisations that support carers; grandparent carers and representatives from organisations that support grandparent carers who are aware of the diverse concerns of carers and their families, have a strategic focus on carers’ issues, and strong networks and involvement in their community.

For further information about the opportunity please visit https://www.families.qld.gov.au/our-work/carers/queensland-carers-advisory-council/queensland-carers-charter

Nominations close at 5pm on 15 August 2025.

QDN Members Only Forum – NDIS Supports Rules Consultation 

QDN invites members to an online forum to share their views and help shape QDN’s submission to the NDIS Supports Rules Consultation. 

Date: Monday, 21 July 2025 Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom 

The forum will explore: 

  • How well members understand the NDIS Supports rules 
  • What could make the rules clearer or easier to use
  • Whether the rules help explain what the NDIS does and doesn’t fund
  • Any confusing or difficult rules
  • Suggestions for changes or additions 

These discussions follow changes made to the NDIS Act in 2024, which require updates to some rules and the creation of new ones. The rules guide how the NDIS operates in practice.  Register at this link: https://events.humanitix.com/qdn-member-forum-on-ndis-supports-rules-consultation/tickets 

Members only event: Post Weather Event Review Forum – Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred 

QDN recognises the challenges faced by people with disability before, during and after a weather event and we want to ensure your experiences contribute to meaningful change. We invite you, our members, to participate in this forum to share your experiences and feedback. Your input will help shape QDN’s recommendations and feedback to key decision makers to improve preparedness, response and recovery actions into the future for people with disability. 

Forum details: 
Date: Thursday, 17 July 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Online Zoom (link will be sent out prior to forum)
Who is this for: QDN Members in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba and surrounding areas
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/post-weather-event-review-forum-cyclone-alfred  

Thank you in advance for your time and willingness to contribute to this important conversation. 

NDIS updates:   

Saving the NDIS: How to rebalance disability services to get better results 

The Grattan Institute are calling for reforms to support the growing number of people with disability who don’t qualify for the NDIS. The Grattan report requests urgent investment in foundational supports, which are currently stalled, to ensure fairness and sustainability in the disability system. Read the report here:  https://grattan.edu.au/report/saving-the-ndis/  

Updated Welcome Packs for NDIS Participants and Providers

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has updated its welcome packs for new participants and providers, with clearer information, a refreshed design, and new resources including an updated NDIS Code of Conduct video. The packs explain the Commission’s role, participant rights, and provider and worker responsibilities under the Code of Conduct. Free print copies, PDFs, and online versions are available, with the Participant Pack also offered in Braille and Easy Read here: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/provider-and-participant-packs    

NDIS Participant First Newsletter

The latest edition of the NDIS Participant First Newsletter (No. 194) shares new ways for people with disability and their supporters to get involved and help improve the NDIS. You can join a workshop if you became a NDIS participant in the past 12 months, take part in a new Engagement Capability Panel, or complete a survey about plan manager claim issues. There’s also a reminder for First Nations people to apply for paid yarning opportunities to design better NDIS systems. Plus, the newsletter highlights changes based on recent feedback about self-service tools, scam alerts, and updated pricing. Sign up to the newsletter here  https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/newsletters  

Mental Health Australia paper on psychosocial disability and the NDIS

This brief outlines practical policy solutions to deliver a tailored approach to improve outcomes for participants with psychosocial disability with existing funding. It recommends priority actions informed by sector and lived experience expertise which, if implemented, would improve the efficacy of funding already committed to the NDIS. Read more here: https://apo.org.au/node/331308?utm_campaign=Policy-Pulse-07-July-2025  

Policy submissions – Issues that matter  

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.    

Policy submissions completed by QDN 

E-Mobility Safety Inquiry in Queensland
The Queensland Parliament is investigating the safety and use of e-mobility devices such as e-scooters, e-skateboards, and e-bikes. The inquiry will look at the benefits, safety concerns, battery risks, current laws, enforcement, and education about safe use. It will also include feedback from community members, disability advocates, health experts, and others. A report will be shared by 30 March 2026.  The State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee received over 1200 submissions. You can view QDN’s submission here https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/com/SDIWC-1AF9/IQ-3C82/submissions/00001076.pdf. Learn more about the inquiry here https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=4522  

Policy Submissions we are working on: 

QDN Policy updates   

Disability 

The National Centre for Disability Advocacy (NCDA) says that big changes to the NDIS are making life harder for people with disability. These changes include less money in plans, more checks to stay in the NDIS, and rules that are hard to understand. This can make people feel confused, worried, or unsafe. 

Advocates are people who help others speak up and understand their rights. Advocates help people with disability: 

  • Understand NDIS letters and decisions 
  • Speak up when their plans are cut 
  • Get help from lawyers or support groups 
  • Tell the government when something is wrong 

Advocates are very important. They help people stay in control of their lives and make sure the NDIS is fair for everyone.  Further information can be found here https://ncda.org.au/advocacy-resources/public-reports/  

Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE): Speak Up for Inclusive Education – Let All Kids Learn Together 

The Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE) is a national alliance calling on governments to stop building more segregated special schools and instead invest in inclusive education. The Queensland Government’s plan to build six new special schools goes against years of progress, the rights of students with disability under Article 24 of the UN Convention, and the findings of the Disability Royal Commission. Every child deserves to be welcomed, supported, and included in their local school. Join the campaign to tell Education Ministers across Australia that all children should learn together.  Send your message now https://bit.ly/LetAllKidsLearnTogether 

Department Renamed to Reflect Broader Responsibilities 

On 13 May 2025, the Australian Government renamed the Department of Health and Aged Care to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. This change coincided with the transfer of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and foundational supports from the Department of Social Services, aiming to streamline services and policies related to health, disability, and ageing under one department. For more information, visit the Department's official website: https://www.health.gov.au/   

LGBTIQA+: Gayawur Rainbow: Supporting LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy Communities

Gayawur Rainbow is a statewide program supporting LGBTIQ+SB people across Queensland with safe, culturally appropriate services including counselling, peer navigation, and health support. Led by the Queensland Council for LGBTI Health, in partnership with Queensland Health and the Queensland Mental Health Commission, it has drop-in centres in Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane. The program aims to build strong, connected communities where everyone feels respected, safe, and proud.  Learn more about Gayawur Rainbow here https://www.qc.org.au/gayawur   

If you would like to join QDN’s LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group, please visit https://qdn.org.au/our-work/peer-support-groups/groups-and-locations/lgbtqia-peer-support-group/  

Transport: TMR Disability Action Plan for Passenger Transport 

Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) are developing a disability action plan which aims to remove discrimination and make passenger transport more accessible for people with disabilities. This is the first Disability Action Plan developed by TMR that will be co-designed with people with disability, disability advocates, industry partners, and government. 

TMR’s approach to co-design involves gaining insights and feedback from: a new codesign steering group, targeted surveys, and TMR’s Accessibility Reference Group. One of the key findings from this action plan reinforces that improving accessibility and removing discrimination for people with disabilities makes travelling safer and easier for everyone. The Disability Action Plan for Passenger Transport contributes to TMR’s existing goal of providing passenger networks that reliable, resilient, and responsive. The Plan is scheduled for publication in late 2025. More information can be found here. https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/disability-access-and-mobility/disability-action-plan  

Brisbane’s New Bus Network Now Live – Plan Your Trip

Brisbane’s new bus network launched on 30 June 2025, with major changes including new timetables, route updates, and the introduction of the Brisbane Metro M1 service. Local bus routes may have changed, so it’s important to check how your travel could be affected. Trips on the new network cost just 50 cents, making it easier and cheaper to get around.  Further information here  https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner  

Access to preventive health assessments for people with intellectual disability 

This scoping review synthesises the literature examining the multiple dimensions of access to health assessments to identify the supply- and demand-side factors impacting on people with intellectual disability’s access to them. It concludes that supply-side factors are well-documented, while demand-side factors warrant further investigation and research. Read more here: https://apo.org.au/node/331306 

Making workplace adjustments easy, effective and equitable 

Workplace adjustments are administrative, environmental or procedural changes that enable people with disability to have equitable employment opportunities, ensure dignified access, and to work safely and effectively. Low awareness about workplace adjustments means employers and employees may be unsure how to ask for or organise adjustments. This guide aims to help employers and employees approach the conversation from a point of openness, empathy and action. Read more here: https://apo.org.au/node/331409   

Social housing 

This New South Wales (NSW) audit assessed whether social housing is effectively and efficiently prioritised to meet the needs of vulnerable households, and whether social housing tenants are effectively supported to establish and sustain their tenancies. The report finds the process to apply for social housing is inefficient and inequitable. It makes five recommendations. Read more here: https://apo.org.au/node/331442 

What’s on – QDN 

Inclusion Matters Forum – Gladstone  

Join Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) on Thursday 17 July 2025, 10am–2pm at the Maxine Brushe Community Meeting Place, West Gladstone, for the Inclusion Matters Forum. This free event brings together people with disability, families, allies, and organisations to share ideas and take action on building more inclusive communities. Topics will include housing, jobs, education, health, transport, and community attitudes, all linked to Australia's Disability Strategy 2021–2031. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-forum-gladstone/tickets

Inclusion Matters Forums – Putting Inclusion into Action

QDN’s Inclusion Matters Forums bring people with disability, families, allies, and organisations together to share ideas and actions for building more inclusive communities. Each forum is led by local QDN Peer Leaders and focuses on real-life inclusion across the seven key areas of Australia’s Disability Strategy, including housing, jobs, health, education, and community attitudes. Upcoming forums will be held in Gladstone (17 July) (delete?), Mount Isa (10 September), Mackay (8 October), and online sessions in September and November.  More info and register www.qdn.org.au/inclusion-matters 

Resilient CARE – Helping to create healthier, more resilient communities.  

Join the Resilient Care program for an interactive workshop where we’ll continue to explore what’s needed to support health and wellbeing—and how we can work together to build stronger, more resilient communities. 

Workshop dates and locations  

We want to hear from people with disability, families, allies and carers, disability, advocacy and community organisations about your experiences and ideas to improve health, community and disaster resilience. Share your story here: https://forms.office.com/r/XPDKjTxHcY 

Bright Sparks Workshops 

QDN is running 48 Bright Sparks workshops across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay. The workshops focus on practical ways to reduce electricity bills without compromising health and wellbeing. These workshops are for people with disability and will be delivered both in-person and online. An additional 12 workshops will be delivered by Multicultural Australia. The Bight Sparks project is funded by the Department of Energy and Climate.  

If you would like to attend a Bright Sparks workshop, follow the link below to find one near you.  https://qdn.org.au/our-work/bright-sparks-2024-25/ 

From Our Friends 

WWDA Shares New Plan, Resources, and Ways to Get Involved – July 2025

This month’s WWDA Newsletter highlights the release of WWDA’s 2024–2025 Strategic Plan, new Easy Read resources like the Neve Project report and CRPD participation fact sheet, and opportunities to have your say on the NDIS supports rules. It also features updates from WWDA’s advocacy at the UN, the ANROWS Conference, and an upcoming presentation at the National Centre of Excellence in Disability Health Conference.  Visit the WWDA website to learn more https://wwda.org.au/ 

National Disability Services submission: next steps in supported employment 

The submission identifies a series of practical improvements, successful models and high-level policy reforms that would enable significantly enhanced employment outcomes for people with disability through access to a disability employment system that reflects and supports their aspirations, rights, diverse needs and choices. Read more here: https://apo.org.au/node/331269 

Contact Us 

To stay updated on what’s happening with the Peer Support Group, and Policy Forums, please visit our website.  Check out QDN events at https://qdn.org.au/events/ 

Any questions, contact the QDN team on 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au        

QDN Membership – spread the word

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

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

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