QDN e-News Update - 4 July - Queenslanders With Disability Network

2025–26 Queensland Budget: Disability-Inclusive Investments

The 2025–26 Queensland Budget includes $3.62 billion for services supporting children, families, seniors, people with disability, and communities affected by domestic and family violence or disaster. For people with disability, key investments include $5 million to restore disability advocacy funding, $10 million for the Queensland Community Support Scheme, and a $4.9 million pilot for professional foster care for children with disability and complex needs. The Budget also commits to continued NDIS investment and national disability reform. Broader initiatives with disability impact include upgrades to the Mount Isa Diversionary Centre for women, access to low-cost groceries, digital skills training, expanded Hope Hub recovery centres, crisis response services, Men’s Sheds, and neighbourhood centre upgrades. Read more about the Budget: https://budget.qld.gov.au/

NDIS updates

The National Audit Office Research Report - NDIS

There has been parliamentary interest in NDIS fraud and non-compliance and its impact on the sustainability of the NDIS. This audit was undertaken to provide assurance on the effectiveness of the NDIA’s management of claimant compliance with NDIS claim requirements. You can read the report here https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/ndia-management-of-claimant-compliance-with-ndis-claim-requirements

2024-25 NDIS Annual Price Review and New Pricing Report Released

The NDIA has released the results of the 2024–25 Annual Price Review and the first report from the Independent Pricing Committee (IPC). This year’s review used the most detailed data yet to inform changes, especially to therapy pricing, and aims to make NDIS pricing more tailored to participants’ needs. Key changes include higher price limits for support coordination, nursing, and psychology in NSW, VIC, QLD, and ACT, and price increases for support workers in line with minimum wage and superannuation changes. The IPC recommends a more flexible pricing approach for better outcomes.

New report on school leaver supports released

The NDIA has released a new report showing how NDIS supports helped over 7,000 young people leaving school to build skills and find work. The report highlights that supports focused on communication, job skills, work experience, employer education, and job customisation were most effective in helping participants get and keep a job. You can read the full report here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/delivering-capacity-building-employment-assistance/provider-reporting-and-resources

Have your say

NDIS Supports consultation

Consultation on NDIS Supports is now open. You can have your say by filling out the survey or making a submission. QDN is also making a submission so if you have key things you want included, please contact the policy team. DSS have developed some resources to help you have your say on NDIS Supports:

NDIS Supports discussion paper
NDIS Supports discussion paper – Easy Read version
NDIS Supports discussion paper – Auslan version
What we’ve heard paper – a summary of what we’ve heard so far from disability organisations about NDIS Supports

If you would like support to complete the DSS survey over the phone, you can call the DSS Complaints phoneline 1800 634 035, leave a message and they will call you back.

Health: Last chance to share your healthcare story – survey open now

Griffith University is asking people with disability and their supporters to share their experiences with the healthcare system in Queensland. This survey is part of an evaluation of the "See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me." campaign, created with people with disability to help improve respect and inclusion in healthcare. You can take part even if you haven’t heard of the campaign.
Take the survey or learn more: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/evaluation?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Inclusive-Futures-April-Monthly-Roundup&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq

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.   

Submissions the policy team has completed since the last e-news :
- Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland

Submissions the policy team are currently working on:
- NDIS Supports Consultation

Policy updates 

CAN EOI Closing Date Extended – Now Closes 9 July 2025

QDN has extended the closing date for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to join the Consumer Advisory Network (CAN) to close of business Wednesday 9 July 2025. The CAN brings together residents with lived experience of disability in supported accommodation to provide advice, share ideas, and help improve services. This extension allows more time to connect with residents who are a good fit for the network. Support in sharing this opportunity and helping interested residents apply is appreciated. The flyer and EOI form are available on the QDN website. For questions, contact Paige Armstrong on 0408 720 099 or Carly Kendall on 0403 875 557.

Economic justice for people with disability: a national blueprint

This position paper highlights the importance of economic justice for people with disability as a right under international and Australian law. It calls for action by the incoming Australian Government across three key areas: income support, employment and housing. Read it here: https://apo.org.au/node/330668?utm_campaign=Policy-Pulse-30-June-2025&utm_content=apo.org.au%2Fnode%2F330668&utm_medium=email&utm_source=comms.apo.org.au

Update to Australia's Disability Strategy

Australia's Disability Strategy has been updated with three new targeted action plans for 2025–2027, focusing on Community Attitudes, Inclusive Homes and Communities, and Safety, Rights, and Justice. These plans aim to enhance inclusion and accessibility nationwide. See more here: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/news/strategy-gets-update

Department of Education and Queensland Health release their Disability Service Plans

Each Queensland Government department is required by legislation to have a Disability Service Plan. The Department of Education has released its Disability Service Plan for 2025–2028, focusing on inclusive education, improved transitions from early childhood to schooling, and enhanced support for students with disabilities. The plan emphasises culturally responsive practices and the use of assistive technologies. See more here: https://qed.qld.gov.au/our-publications/strategiesandplans/Documents/disability-service-plan.pdf

The Department of Health Disability Service Plan 2025 – 2028 (DSP) builds on achievements of the Department of Health Disability Service Plan 2022-2024, including revision of the Julian’s Key Health Passport, expansion of the Long Stay Rapid Response program, and launch of the See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me. campaign. Read the plan here https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/strategic-direction/plans/disability-service-plan#:~:text=The%20Disability%20Service%20Plan%202025-2028%20%28PDF%201945%20kB%29,and%20reduce%20health%20inequities%20for%20people%20with%20disability.

Employment: Disability Employment Reforms

Commencing 1 July, 2025, a new specialist disability employment program will replace the current Disability Employment Services. This initiative aims to better assist individuals with disability in preparing for, finding, and maintaining sustainable employment. See more here: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-policy-reforms

Sport: Join the EMPOWER Project Mailing List

The EMPOWER project is the first Queensland Government-funded legacy initiative for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and QDN are excited to be partnering on this project. The EMPOWER Project aims to help engage an additional 110,000 people with disability in sport by 2032 by addressing barriers to participation and promoting inclusion across Queensland. Led by the Jamieson Trauma Institute with partners including QDN, Sporting Wheelies, QUT, UQ, and Griffith University, EMPOWER is co-designed by and for people with disability. Stay informed about events, engagement opportunities, and new resources by joining the mailing list: Empower project – mailing list: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/empower/

Transport: Weekend City Bus Station Closures – June to August 2025

From Friday 20 June to late August 2025, Brisbane Metro construction will cause weekend closures at Queen Street, City Hall/King George Square, and Roma Street bus stations. Buses will still run, using nearby alternative stops with signs and staff available to help. Closures will run from midnight Friday to 4:30am Monday on selected weekends. Dates may change depending on construction conditions. For details and updates, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

Transport: Train Service Changes – Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines (June-July 2025)

From late Friday 27 June to early Saturday 19 July 2025, there will be major changes to train services on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines due to track work. Trains will run all stations between Varsity Lakes and Banoon, and buses will replace trains between Banoon and Boggo Road. Special bus routes will also help connect to key stations. Services will run to an altered timetable with peak trains every 12 minutes on weekdays. Plan ahead using the Translink app or website: translink.com.au, or call 13 12 30. For accessibility support or feedback, contact accessibility@crrda.org.au or call 07 3214 8141.

Transport: Improving safety when young people ride e-scooters and e-bikes

Read the report from Queensland Family and Child Commission https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/Improving-safety-when-young-people-ride-e-scooters-and-e-bikes.pdf

Housing: public housing rent and tenancy reviews, and anti-social behaviour

As a result of ongoing work to improve how the Queensland Government manages their large portfolio of more than 56,000 public housing properties, the approach ensures that:

public housing tenancies are regularly reviewed
tenants are living in homes that continue to meet their needs and entitlements
there are clear and fair expectations around the management of anti-social behaviour in public housing.

Find out more here: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/public-housing-tenants/during-your-tenancy/tenancy-and-behaviour/anti-social-behaviour-policy

What's on - QDN

Inclusion Matters Forum – Putting inclusion into action

Join us at QDN’s Inclusion Matters Forum to explore how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened—by everyone.
Inclusion Matters forums, hosted by QDN Peer Leaders showcase what real inclusion looks like across the seven outcome areas of Australia’s Disability Strategy. Join people with disability, families, allies and organisations as we share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building stronger, more inclusive communities – together.

About the forums:

Hear from local leaders and change makers about what works and what’s needed next.
Join conversations about how we can make inclusion stronger across housing, employment, education, health, transport, and community life.
Turning good ideas into real change – share your insights and shape inclusion in the community.

What is Australia’s Disability Strategy?
Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 (ADS) is a national framework that all Australian governments have signed up to. It sets out a plan for continuing to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over 10 years.
The topics for the Forums are linked to the Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) 7 outcome areas.
To find out about these outcome areas, or if you would like to attend a forum, follow this link: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/inclusion-matters/

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.

Resilient CARE – Helping to create healthier, more resilient communities

Resilient CARE is led by Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ) and is all about supporting people to live their healthiest lives—no matter where they live or what challenges they face due to climate change and natural disasters.

The initiative works alongside local communities and healthcare providers to strengthen disaster resilience and support the health and wellbeing of people most at risk, including people with disability.

Are you located in Livingstone, Gladstone, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg or Rockhampton.

If you are, 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

Join a workshop near you: Healthy Futures in a Changing Climate

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

Tuesday 22 July – Agnes Water – Register here: Resilient Care Gladstone
Wednesday 23 July – Yeppoon – Register here: Resilient Care Yeppoon  
Thursday 24 July – Rockhampton – Register here: Resilient Care Rockhampton
Tuesday 29 July – Bundaberg – Register here: Resilient Care Bundaberg
Wednesday 30 July – Hervey Bay – Register here: Resilient Care Hervey Bay

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

Sharing excellence in Practice - Voices for better care

QDN is proud to share the launch of a new podcast by the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, Excellence in Practice: Voices for Better Care. This is a podcast for healthcare professionals who want to improve their practice when working with people with intellectual disability. 

In each episode, hosts Ricky Kremer and Raylene Griffiths speak with experts, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience. They share real stories and practical advice to help you build your skills and confidence. You can listen on Spotify and Apple music.

Click here for more information: https://nceidh.org.au/resources 

Intellectual Disability Health Education Resources

In collaboration with the UNSW Sydney, the Department of Health Disability and Ageing have updated the Curriculum Development in Intellectual Disability Health Project.

Free education resources are now available for university educators to help teach health students about intellectual disability health. The resources support implementation of the Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework (the Framework) and include:

6 written case studies and discussion questions that highlight issues from each Framework Capability area, and guidance on developing further resources
2 case study films that aim to educate students on communication, and decision-making and consent when working with people with intellectual disability
2 simulation scenarios with a guide for facilitators
Lecture plans and tutorial activities with a reference book
The Co-education toolkit - a guide for educators to work with Lived Experience Educators to improve students’ capabilities in intellectual disability health
An information sheet on how universities can work with disability organisations to create student placement opportunities
Example assessment questions for each Framework Capability area for educators to use

The free education resources are available to download online: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/intellectual-disability-health-capability-framework-and-education-resources

CRU: New Video Series: Supporting Customised Employment

Community Resource Unit (CRU) has launched a new series of short, practical videos featuring international expert Milton Tyree, sharing valuable insights for families and support workers on helping people with disability fin meaningful work through a Customised Employment approach. Drawing on decades of experience, Milton covers key topics such as Discovery, job development, working with employers, and providing support on the job. These videos are now available on YouTube. Please watch and share widely to support inclusive employment.

Free Info Session: Learn about the National Relay Service

Hear For You and the National Relay Service (NRS) are hosting a free, interactive workshop for young people, families, and educators to learn how the NRS supports people with hearing or speech difficulties to make phone calls. The session will explain the different call types, how privacy is protected, and the role of relay officers, with a chance to try test calls. Interpreters will be present. It will be held on Saturday 12 July 2025, 10am–12pm at Griffith University, Nathan Campus. Book your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2025-hear-for-you-the-national-relay-service-information-session-tickets-1392056190539?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Inclusive-Futures-May--June-Monthly-Roundup&aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq

Brisbane City Nurse-led Walk-in Clinic

The Nurse-led walk-in clinic offers free treatment for all people aged over two years for non-life threatening injuries, illness and common health concerns. Services are free for Medicare and non-Medicare Card holders. We are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm and closed public holidays. Find out more https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/community/locations/brisbane-city-walk-in-clinic

Australia’s National Self Advocacy Website

Voices Together is Australia’s Self Advocacy Website. The Voices Together Website got a BIG makeover, check it out at https://www.voicestogether.com.au/

Learn about Self Advocacy
Find Self Advocacy Groups in Australia
Find Self Advocacy Videos and Resources
If your Self Advocacy Group has ideas for resources to share on the website - share your ideas with SARU! Email: info@saru.net.au Or call: 03 9639 6856

Be Your Own Boss – Free Information Sessions and Workshops 

Do you want to be your own boss? Do you want to start your own small business? 

Carers Queensland is running free events to help you learn more about starting your own business.  This is called the Be Your Own Boss – Microbusiness Program. Come to a free Information Session and Discovery Workshop near you. You will learn about the program and how it can help you. 

 Toowoomba 
Thursday, 10 July 2025 
Toowoomba, QLD 4350 
Click here to learn more or register: https://www.ndis.gov.au/events/10743-be-your-own-boss-information-session-discovery-workshop-toowoomba  

Contact Us

To stay updated on what’s happening with the Peer Support Group, and Policy Forums, please visit our website. You can find this information on the 'Events' page and check the QDN Calendar for upcoming events. Check out QDN events: https://qdn.org.au/events/

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

QDN e-News Update – 4 July

QDN e-News - Friday 4 July 2025