QDN e-News 30 November 2023

2023 QDN Member Feedback Survey now open – have your say!  

Do you want to have a say in QDN’s strategic priorities and direction? QDN's strategic plan is up for review and we invite members to provide feedback and input into our key priorities and important issues as we move forward over the next three years.  

The survey aims to gather your feedback on what is currently working well, areas that require change, and suggestions for potential improvements. 

You can complete the survey online, ask for a paper hard copy to be posted to you or talk to someone on the phone to assist you and/or support you. If you need any support with completing the survey or have any questions, call us on 1300 363 783 or email at qdn@qdn.org.au.  

The survey closes 15 December 2023.  

Find out more information and take the survey here

COVID-19 Reminder 

Important reminder: COVID-19 is still here, but there are things you can do to keep yourself and your communities safe: 

• Stay at home if you feel sick. 
• Take a test if you feel sick – there are tests in the QDN office for members. 
• Wear a mask when you’re out and about.  
• Get vaccinated if you are able.  

Check the Queensland Health website for more information here

Disability Action Week 2023 - Access ignites: it’s good business  

Find out how the skills of people with disability, both as business owners and employees, are driving commercial success. Featuring an exciting line-up of speakers and panellists, this free online webinar showcases the wide-ranging benefits of workforce diversity, inclusion and accessibility. 

The webinar is part of Disability Action Week, from 25 November to 2 December 2023. Disability Action Week celebrates the contribution of Queenslanders with disability to our families, communities, workplaces and economy. 

Date: Friday 1 December  

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Location: Online via Zoom  

Register here: https://bit.ly/3MyfIjV  

More information: https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/community/awards-events/disability-action-week     

Details: 

Opening Forum: 

• The Honourable Craig Crawford MP, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Seniors and Disability Services 
• The Honourable Di Farmer MP, Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Youth Justice 
• Julie Saunders, Director, Urbis – What’s possible – Brisbane 2032 

Panel Discussion - What’s possible - “Access ignites: it’s good for business” 

• Australian Defence Force & Endeavour Partnership – Robert Chandler and Madisen Ward 
• Australian Spatial Analytics – Geoff Smith 
• Our microbusiness – Thinking of You Gift, Queensland Children’s Hospital – Donna and Freya Toussaint 

Ted’s mission to claim mobility scooter record 

QDN Member Ted Bakke is calling on the community to help him break the Australian record for the most mobility scooter users in a single convoy, but he needs your help to do it! 

Ted’s first attempt at the record in October 2022 saw 40 people take part, which was below the 172 people he needed to claim the record. 

Ted’s Wheelie Challenge will coincide with International Day of People with Disability on Sunday 3 December. 

QDN CEO Michelle Moss says this event is a fun way to bring the community together. 

"It is important that people with disability who use mobility wheelchairs and scooters enjoy the same access to our community." 

"There is so much to enjoy right across the City of Moreton Bay and it’s important that everyone is working together to build upon the work that has happened, and create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone.” 

Details and more information here

South Metro Health launches Disability Service Plan 

On Thursday 16 November, Metro South Health launched its 2023-26 Disability Service Plan. This plan will help Metro South Health to strengthen the inclusion of people with disability within its hospital and health services catchment. 

Thank you to QDN Members Uncle Willie Prince and Alison MacLean who helped launch the plan! 

The 2023-26 Disability Service Plan is available here

QDN Disability Royal Commission member forums – November & December  

Health Conversation 

Join QDN for a Disability Royal Commission health discussion. This online forum, part of our series for QDN members, will focus on the health recommendations highlighted in the Disability Royal Commission Final Report. 

During this online event, we will explore the DRC Recommendations related to health, providing valuable insights and information. The session will be followed by small group discussions, offering a platform to collectively discuss these recommendations from the perspective of people with disability. 

Date: Monday, December 4 

Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM 

Link to Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81790839680?pwd=CuYqmC0Aj9zFAzB2qtLcN6qfEh1qDD.1 

Find more information and register here.  

Employment Conversation 

Join QDN for a conversation about the Disability Royal Commission Employment recommendations. This online forum, part of our series for QDN members, will focus on the employment recommendations highlighted in the Disability Royal Commission Final Report. 

During this event, we will explore the DRC Recommendations related to employment, providing comprehensive insights and information. Subsequently, small group discussions will be held to collectively explore these recommendations from the perspective of people with disability. 

Date: Thursday, December 14 

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 

Link to Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87073609657?pwd=TFyTgzm8K83hqb4LjsKTPKcTSWu1tF.1 

Find more information and register here.  

You can access the Disability Royal Commission Final Report here. 

For further information please contact QDN at qdn@qdn.org.au or call us at 1300 363 783. 

Applications open for the 2024 Person-Centred Peer Leadership (P-CEP) Peer Leadership Program! 

QDN is seeking interest from people with disability who live in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia to become P-CEP Peer Leaders.  

P-CEP Peer Leaders are people with disability helping raise awareness with other people with disability about P-CEP. 

P-CEP Peer Leaders will learn how to make their own emergency plan and help other people with disability in their communities use the P-CEP workbook and get ready for emergencies.  

The Peer Leadership program will run between January -February 2024. 

Complete the expression of interest form here

Safer Pathways survey 

RACQ's Safer Pathways survey aims to better understand how its members walk, cycle, and use personal mobility devices and scooters. RACQ will use the Safer Pathways survey findings to:  

• Understand hot spots across the active transport network.  
• Advocate for a better active transport network and facilities.  

• Help road authorities prioritise new projects and upgrades.  

You can complete the survey here

Policy update 

Content Warning: We cover some information about the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse in the e-News this week. We appreciate this is a sensitive topic, but feel it’s important we provide information about proposed changes to the scheme. If reading this information brings anything up for you, please contact the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380.  

Learn more about the support the Blue Knot Foundation offers here. 

QDN’s response to release of ninth annual National Shelter-SGS Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index 

The National Shelter-SGS Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index has been released, revealing rental affordability has worsened in almost every city in Australia, with our regions also experiencing declines in affordability.  

The report has revealed Greater Brisbane has the third lowest affordability rating among Australia’s cities, with median rentals at $553 a week costing 28% of average income. Additionally, regional Queensland is now the least affordable place of all regions and capital cities with median rentals at $553 costing 30% of average income. QDN believes it is important people with disability have a safe, accessible, secure, and affordable place to call home. 

We encourage our members to read the report and QDN’s response to the report on the QDN website here.

If you need support with housing, the following housing services are available to assist people with disability: 

• Rent Connect helps people find and apply for a place to rent. This service may also be able to help people who have no identification documents or rental history, or who are trying to prove they will be a good renter/tenant. 
• QSTARS is a free independent advice and referral service for all Queensland renters. You can phone the statewide advice number on 1300 744 263. 

DANA analysis of restrictive practices  

Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) has reviewed Volume 6 of the Disability Royal Commission Report with a focus on restrictive practices. You can access the analysis here. 

Call for submissions: Inquiry into the provision and regulation of supported accommodation in Queensland

On October 26, 2023, the Legislative Assembly approved a motion for the Community Support and Services Committee to investigate and provide a report on the supply and oversight of supported accommodation in Queensland. The Committee is inviting submissions on any aspect of the Inquiry via email or post. There is a guide on how to make a submission here.  

The terms of reference the Committee will examine include: 

1. Residential services as defined under the Residential Services (Accreditation) Act 2002 and other shared living arrangements, including but not limited to: 

• appropriateness of standards and their enforcement; 

• provision of support services funded by the NDIS; 

• provision of accommodation and support services to Queenslanders in this variety of settings, including if the current service delivery model by which level 3 residential services are provided is appropriate or alternative model/s that should be adopted and what role the NDIS should play in supporting these models; 

• sustainability of proposed model/s, market constraints and potential impact on other government systems; 

• resident wellbeing, including the differing needs of vulnerable population groups, and adequacy of current service delivery, quality and safeguards and oversight arrangements in place across all levels of government; and 

• the complex state and federal regulatory arrangements that apply.

 2. The Public Advocate’s report ‘Safe, secure and affordable’?: the need for an inquiry into supported accommodation in Queensland, its two overarching and 29 detailed questions; 

3. The views of residents and former residents, with a formal role for two independent non-government organisations to support residents to contribute their views on their services and support; and 

4. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and the Independent Review of the NDIS reports as appropriate. 

QDN will be completing a submission for the inquiry. If you would like to share your story or experiences for QDN’s submission you can contact QDN via email at qdn@qdn.org.au or by phone on 1300 363 783. Learn more about the inquiry here. 

Call for Submissions: new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy  

The Australian Government is developing a new international disability equity and rights strategy in order to continue to demonstrate strong and consistent leadership in advancing the rights of people with disability.  

The Government is calling for submissions, which can be a written submission via email or post, video or audio recordings. People completing submissions are asked to focus on the following questions:  

1. What should Australia prioritise to advance disability equity and rights internationally? 
2. What are the most effective approaches to progress these priorities? 
3. How can DFAT support the role of, and partner with, organisations of persons with disabilities? 
4. What are the biggest challenges to and opportunities for advancing disability equity and rights? 

More information and instructions on how to submit can be found here.  

Have your say: Disability Employment Centre of Excellence  

The Department of Social Services is seeking feedback about the new Disability Employment Centre of Excellence, based on an options paper available on the DSS website that explores suggested centre types and a proposed approach to the Centre.  

More information is available here. 

Options paper available here. 

ADHD Senate Inquiry Report 

In 2023 the Senate referred an inquiry into the barriers to consistent, timely and best practice assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity. There were 701 submissions made and there are 15 recommendations that have come from the inquiry.  

View the report as separate downloadable parts here. 

View the full report here.  

Read the list of 15 recommendations here.  

Updates on National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse 

On the 15th of November 2023, the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023 was brought forward to Parliament. The intent of the Bill if it passes, is to expand eligibility for the redress scheme and to implement remaining agreed recommendations from the Government’s response to the Final Report of the Second Year Review of the National Redress Scheme. The Bill also details key changes to ensure improvement of the scheme, which include: 

• Permitting applicants to submit supplementary information when seeking a review, 
• Diminishing situations necessitating applicants to undergo a specialised assessment process, 
• Eliminating constraints that prohibit incarcerated survivors from submitting an application, and 
• Facilitating the reconsideration of finalised applications in cases where a pertinent institution later becomes part of the Scheme. 

The proposed legislation will also promote increased accessibility, transparency, and streamlined processes through modifying provisions related to protected information and enhancing technical aspects of funder of last resort provisions. 

More information is available here. 

Information about the scheme is available here. 

Access the Final Government response here. 

Support through Blue Knot Foundation can be found here or by calling 1300 657 380. 

Response to Robodebt Royal Commission  

The Australian Government has officially presented its response to the Robodebt Royal Commission. In a commitment to rebuilding confidence, integrity, and trust, the Government has endorsed or agreed in principle to all 56 recommendations made by the Royal Commission. 

To facilitate the implementation of these recommendations, the Government is allocating $22.1 million in new funding over four years from 2023-24, along with an ongoing annual commitment of $4.8 million. This financial support is in addition to the previously announced $228 million funding injection for Services Australia in 2023-24 to enhance frontline service delivery and the provision of $1 billion in extra funding for Services Australia since October 2022. 

The Government has enacted permanent increases in the base rates of working age and student payments. It has also broadened the eligibility criteria for Parenting Payment (single) and implemented the largest increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance in over 30 years. 

More information is available here.  

Updates for MyMedicare Patients 

As of October 1, 2023, registration for MyMedicare are open. MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration model which aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner and primary care teams. 

Participants can select their preferred GP at various healthcare facilities, including accredited general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Aboriginal Medical Services, nurse practitioner-led practices with a GP, and other eligible non-traditional practices. The chosen practice must be registered in My Medicare before you can start your own registration.   

MyMedicare registration is free and voluntary. Once you’ve registered, your chosen general practice will be notified that they are assigned as your preferred and regular provider. The Australian Government will provide additional funds to support your general practice provider to deliver the care you require.   

Benefits: 

Evidence shows that seeing the same GP and healthcare team regularly leads to better health outcomes. Seeing your GP regularly and formalising the relationship you have with your GP and general practice through MyMedicare may lead to better health outcomes. 

Eligibility: 

You will be eligible to register for MyMedicare if you: 

• Have a Medicare Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card. 
• Have a record of face-to-face visits with the same medical practice, including either: 
• One face-to-face visit for practices in remote locations. 

• Two face-to-face visits for practices in other locations within the last 24 months.  

If you are experiencing hardship such as homelessness or domestic and family violence, you will be exempt from all of the eligibility requirements. Parents or guardians and children can be registered at the same practice as long as one of them meets the eligibility requirements and is registered. Any child under the age of 14 years old must have consent from their parents to be registered to MyMedicare. Young people between the ages of 14 and 17 can register and provide their own consent without a parent or guardian.  

How to register:  

1. Using the Medicare Online Account or Express Plus Medicare Mobile app, starting the process and having practice staff validate it in the MyMedicare system.   

1. Having the chosen practice initiate the registration in MyMedicare, which will then bring up a notification in your Medicare Online Account or Express Plus Medicare Mobile app for finalisation.  

1. Filling out and submitting a registration form to your chosen medical practice, giving consent for MyMedicare participation. Staff at your chosen medical practice will then complete the registration in the MyMedicare system. 

More information and instructions can be found here.  

If you can’t find the information or support, you’re looking for around MyMedicare, you can contact Medicare via phone on 132 011. 

 

What's on

Peer Support Groups

• Thursday, 30 November, Cairns Peer Support Group, 3:30pm-5:30pm, Rights in Action Office, 88 Abbott St, Cairns 
• Thursday, 30 November, Rockhampton Peer Support Group, 12:00-2:00pm, CocoBrew Rockhampton, 114 William St, Rockhampton 
• Friday, 1 December 2023, Gold Coast Hot Topics, 10:30-12:30pm, Southport Community Centre, 6 Lawson St, Southport
• Friday, 1 December 2023, Gympie, 9:30-11:30am, Rusty Rails Café, 10 Tozer St, Gympie
• Monday, 4 December 2023, QDN Y (Youth), 4:00-5:30pm, Online via Zoom
• Wednesday, 6 December 2023, MAC (+65), 11:00am-1:00pm, Online via Zoom
• Friday, 8 December 2023, Gold Coast, 10:30am-12:30pm, Nerang Library, 8 White St, Nerang and online with Zoom
• Friday, 8 December 2023, Townsville, 10:00-12:00p, Independent Advocacy Townsville, 1-3 Barlow St, Townsville
• Tuesday, 12 December 2023, Gladstone, 10:00-12:00pm, Club Services Ipswich (CSI), 5 Lowry St, North Ipswich
• Tuesday, 12 December 2023, Normanton, 10:30-12:30pm, Carpentaria Shire Hall
• Wednesday, 13 December 2023, Christine Court, 10:30-11:30am, Christine Court, 13-21 Christine St, Booval QLD 4304
• Friday, 15 December 2023, Cairns Yarning Circle, 12:30pm-2:00pm, MaraWay Community Hub, 86 Anderson St, Manunda
• Friday, 15 December 2023, Tablelands, 10:30-12:30pm, Mareeba Library, 221 Byrnes St, Mareeba
• Friday, 15 December 2023, Unique Parenting (UP), 11:00-1:00pm, QDN Office and Online via Zoom
• Saturday, 16 December 2023, Ipswich, 10:00-12:00pm, Club Services Ipswich (CSI), 5 Lowry St, North Ipswich (Table 31)
• Monday, 18 December 2023, QDN Statewide Online, 5:30-7:00pm, Online via Zoom   

QDN Disability Royal Commission Forums

Disability Royal Commission Health Conversation

Join QDN for a Disability Royal Commission health discussion. This online forum, part of our series for QDN members, will focus on the health recommendations highlighted in the Disability Royal Commission Final Report.

During this online event, we will explore the DRC Recommendations related to health, providing valuable insights and information. The session will be followed by small group discussions, offering a platform to collectively discuss these recommendations from the perspective of people with disability.

You can access the report here.

Date: Monday, December 4th

Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Link to Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81790839680?pwd=CuYqmC0Aj9zFAzB2qtLcN6qfEh1qDD.1

Find more information and register here.

Disability Royal Commission Employment Conversation

Join QDN for a conversation about the Disability Royal Commission Employment recommendations. This online forum, part of our series for QDN members, will focus on the employment recommendations highlighted in the Disability Royal Commission Final Report.

During this event, we will explore the DRC Recommendations related to employment, providing comprehensive insights and information. Subsequently, small group discussions will be held to collectively explore these recommendations from the perspective of people with disability.

You can access the report here.

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Date: Thursday, December 14th

Link to Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87073609657?pwd=TFyTgzm8K83hqb4LjsKTPKcTSWu1tF.1

Find more information and register here.

For further information please contact QDN at qdn@qdn.org.au or call us at 1300 363 783.

Get Ready, Plan Ahead Workshops in Logan 

These free workshops are specifically designed to support people with disability how to prepare for emergencies, including floods, cyclones, bushfires, and heatwaves. These workshops are presented by people with disability, for people with disability. Workshops are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. The Logan workshops are delivered in two parts (Part A and Part B) across six different locations between October 2023 and March 2024. 

Register here: https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/pcep-workshops 

Careers at QDN 

Project Support Officer – QdeNgage  

We are looking for a passionate Project Support Officer to join our QDeNgage team. This role will involve assisting and supporting with: 

• Delivery of engagement activities 
• Coordinating payments, tracking data and information, and administration tasks  
• Supporting effective communication and liaison with broad range of stakeholders 
• Assisting with the preparation of project reporting mechanisms 
• Assisting with facilitation of groups both in person and online including workshops, events, focus groups, co-design processes, and training.  

To apply, please email a cover letter which addresses the requirements of the position, and your resume and to applications@qdn.org.au by 5pm Thursday 7 December. 

More information: INSERT LINK TO QDN WEBSITE TBC 

Administration Officer  

QDN is looking for a part time (2 days per week) administration officer to join the team! We need someone who can provide administrative support to QDN’s team and members. The person in this role is the critical first point of contact for QDN’s members and stakeholders and is responsible for defined deliverables across administrative functions and projects. 

Key responsibilities and accountabilities: 

• Answer QDN’s busy phones 
• manage, prepare, record and action electronic mail and hard copy mail outs 
• help set up meetings and events and provide hospitality to visitors 
• provide project support including booking catering and venues, administrative tasks and member and stakeholder liaison 
• source and administer organisational provisions such as taxi vouchers and swipe cards 
• source and administer travel bookings  
• day-to-day tasks including managing petty cash, sourcing and monitoring office supplies and equipment, office cleaning, and presentation 

Please forward your application to applications@qdn.org.au  with the following details: 

• A letter of no more than 3 pages, that addresses your demonstrated suitability to the role 
• Your current CV 

Applications close 5pm, 8 December 2023 

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/

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