QDN e-News Update - 19 November 2024
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Annual General Meeting 2024
QDN’s AGM was held last Saturday on 9 November 2024. There were almost 100 QDN members who attended the in-person meeting and online. We thank our Board and our members as well as staff that assisted in the lead up to and on the day.
The 2024 Annual Report web version is available on the website with an accessible version as well, click here.
QDN Director Peter Tully decided not to stand again for the Board and we thanked him for his contribution and service. We would also like to acknowledge Stacy Miller who was Appointed Director who retired from this role at the AGM.
We were also pleased to celebrate the life and contribution of Gary Matthews, previous Deputy Chair of QDN’s Board who passed away unexpectedly in June this year.
Five Directors were elected to the Board:
Sharon Boyce
Des Ryan
Nigel Webb
Karen McCarthy
Alison Barber
Also at the AGM, the resolution to appoint Danielle Brown as Appointed Director was passed.
Following the AGM, the Board have met and elected Sharon Boyce as Chairperson and Des Ryan as Deputy Chairperson.
Nerine Williams was elected Committee Chair of Nominations and Performance Committee and Des Ryan as Committee Chair of Audit and Compliance Committee.
Congratulations to the New Government
QDN congratulates the Hon. David Crisafulli on becoming Queensland’s new Premier and to the Liberal National Party on their election victory and to the new Cabinet.
We also extend our appreciation to the outgoing government and Deputy Premier Steven Miles for their dedicated service to the state.
As a peak body for people with disability, QDN looks forward to working with the new Queensland State Government on current projects and investment plans, ensuring that Queenslanders with disability have access to inclusive, timely, quality, safe services and systems where ever they live in the state.
Disability Action Week is coming up soon, running from 24 November to 1 December 2024. This year’s theme, “Accessible Communication: Connect, Include, and Empower,” highlights the power of small, meaningful changes to make a big difference for those with diverse communication needs.
This session brings together leaders, advocates, and changemakers to discuss the future of accessible communication in Queensland—looking ahead to 2032 and beyond. You will hear inspiring stories of personal and professional transformation, dive into what accessible communication means today, and envision its impact in the years to come.
With keynote speakers including former Australian Human Rights Commissioner Dr Graeme Innes AM and Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey sharing their insights and experiences, this is a must-attend event for creating a more inclusive and accessible Queensland. Whether you're a professional in the field, a person with lived experience, or simply passionate about accessibility and inclusivity you will gain valuable insights and connections. Stay tuned for more details on our panellists and their unique perspectives!
At QDN, we know that communication is key for everyone. Let’s ensure Queensland is accessible and inclusive for people with disability and all Queenslanders.
QDN will be hosting a webinar on Friday 29 November celebrating the Disability action week.
To register for the webinar, click on this link > https://events.humanitix.com/disability-action-week-webinar
For more information about Disability Action week click here! https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/community/awards-events/disability-action-week
Bright Sparks 2024/25
The Bright Sparks project is back for 2024/25 with new opportunities to support people with disability. This initiative focuses on empowering people with disability to become confident energy consumers during rising electricity prices, helping them make informed decisions to reduce their energy expenses.
To find out about more about the QDN’s Energy Champions and learn more about the project please visit our website.
Click here > https://qdn.org.au/our-work/past-projects/bright-sparks-2024-25/
To find a workshop near you, visit QDN Events OR contact QDN at 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au.
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:
- NDIS pricing approach
- Foundational Supports General Supports consultation – have your say here
- Consultation on proposed amendments to the NDIS Act (Bill No.2)
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
- Register: https://events.humanitix.com/queensland-family-and-carer-workshop-foundational-supports-for-children
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.
Register here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/consultations-calendar-and-registrations/
Policy updates
Updates to Queensland Members
Following the state government election in October, Queensland has had a change in government leadership. This means the Members across the various areas of state government have changed.
You can find more information on each Minister and Member on the Queensland Parliament website
Full list of Ministers: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Members/Current-Members/Member-List/Ministers
Full list of Members: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Members/Current-Members/Member-List
Government Response into the Purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension inquiry
On 3 October the Australian Government released its official response to the report on the Purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
AFDO Employment and Employment Services Survey
AFDO would like to hear from people with disability across Australia about their employment experiences. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. This survey will be open to complete until 19 November 2024.
Take the survey here: https://daru.org.au/resource/afdo-employment-and-employment-services-survey/
A New System of Federal Administrative Review
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is a new federal administrative review. It commenced on 14 October 2024, replacing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT has ceased operations, with all current matters now transferred to the ART.
If you applied to the AAT for review of a decision, you do not need to submit a new application to the ART. If you have received an AAT decision, your matter is considered finalised. It will not be considered again by the ART.
Find out more here: https://www.ag.gov.au/legal-system/new-system-federal-administrative-review
IHACPA Annual Report 2023–24 released
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) Annual Report 2023–24 has now been published.
The annual report details the agency’s activities throughout the 2023–24 financial year. This includes the financial and operational performance against planned outcomes in the 2023–24 Portfolio Budget Statements and IHACPA’s 2023–24 Work Program and Corporate Plan.
The Australian Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2023-24 released
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released its 2023-24 Annual Report. Read more here: https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/commission-general/publications/annual-report-2023-24
Get involved in the Make Renting Fair campaign
Over the past three years, Queensland has made many changes to tenancy laws, but there is more work needed to make renting more stable and affordable.
The campaign is calling to:
- Limit annual rent increases
- End no-cause evictions
- Energy efficiency minimum standards
Find out more and have your say here: https://makerentingfairqld.org.au/
What's on
To stay updated on what’s happening with the Peer Support Group, 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/
