Have Your Say 

Members Survey

Last Chance to Have Your Say

QDN members, this is your last chance to fill out the 2025 members survey that was released on Friday 3 October. We want you to tell us what we’re doing well, what we can do better and what you want us to focus on over the coming year.
The survey closes on Friday 31 October at 5pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard. 

If you are a QDN member and haven’t received your survey, or would like the survey to be resent, please contact QDN at qdn@qdn.org.au or on 1300 363 783. 

QDN Forums 

Implementation of Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle 

QDN will be hosting a forum on the implementation of Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle on Monday 10 November from 1pm to 2:30pm.  The forum will include a presentation from Queensland Family and Child Commission, outlining the reforms that came into effect from 1 October 2025. 

If you are interested in attending, please register: https://qdn.org.au/child-safe-standards-forum/ 

 

Policy Submissions 

In-Progress

Commonwealth Government Disability Discrimination Act Review - Submissions are Still Open 

The Federal Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the Disability Discrimination Act. This review comes after the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission) made 222 recommendations in its Final Report, 15 of which outlined changes to the Disability Discrimination Act. To ensure that QDN members and the wider disability community continue to have their rights represented in Australian law, QDN will be receiving feedback from members and completing a written submission.   

There is still time to get involved.
Learn more about the Disability Discrimination Act Review: https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australias-anti-discrimination-law/review-disability-discrimination-act
Submissions close Friday 24 October 2025.   

Child Safety Commission of Inquiry 

The Child Safety Commission of Inquiry which started on 1 July 2025 has opened a review of the child safety system in Queensland with a final report due to be published by the Queensland government by 30 November 2026.
To learn more about the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry, please follow this link: https://www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov.au/  

Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport  

The Federal Government has announced a consultation on an exposure draft to reform Transport Standards.
The inquiry will be seeking feedback on the following:  

• The clarity of the amendments and if they reflect the intent of the agreed reforms. 
• The effectiveness of the transitional arrangements for operators and providers, particularly in scenarios where processes are underway to acquire or significantly upgrade assets.  
• Any other relevant view or information.  

QDN will be providing a submission to this inquiry.
If you are interested in finding out more, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/exposure-draft-reform-disability-standards-accessible-public-transport-2002-transport-standards.  

Disability Standards for Education  

Submissions for the Disability Standards for Education are still open. The Australian Government has announced a review of the Disability Standards for Education to determine if the Standards are working and how they can be improved. The review is designed to cover three areas: 

• Effective implementation of the Standards. 
• Inclusive decision-making 
• Clear responsibilities for assessment authorities and course developers.  

Some of the areas being considered are part of the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.
Submissions close Friday 21 November.
For more information on how to get involved please follow this link: https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005/consultations/2025-review-disability-standards-education-consultation  

NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee Consultation 

The recently formed NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) has announced a consultation on several assessments to be considered by the EAC.
These include: 

• Active passive trainers 
• Assistance animals for autistic people or people with intellectual disability 
• Psychiatric assistance dogs 
• Seizure alert dogs 
• Exercise physiology 
• Smart home appliances (for cooking, cleaning and gardening). 

For more information, please follow this link: https://consultations.health.gov.au/evidence-advisory-committee-eac/september2025/
You can make submissions until Sunday 9 November.  

Completed

Charter of Victims' Rights   

The Office of Victim’s Commissioner is reviewing the Charter of Victims' Rights to determine how well it meets the needs of Queenslanders who are victims of crime. The review will be focused on the experience and diverse needs of victims, the scope and purpose of the Charter, the rights contained in the Charter, and more. 

Victims have stated that the Charter needs to be more clear, inclusive and easier to use. The Queensland Government is conducting a survey to address these issues. After speaking with members, QDN has written a submission to ensure that the Charter of Victim’s Rights meet the needs of people with disability who have experienced crimes.
To learn more about the review: https://www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au/our-work/review-of-the-charter-of-victims-rights

 

Policy Updates

Child Safety

The Queensland Government has announced the Reportable Conduct Scheme will be fast tracked so that all organisations will be required to meet the new standard by Monday 1 July 2026.
Child protection services, educational services, early childhood education and care services will now be required to meet new standards of reporting and investigating concerning behaviour from their workers and volunteers.

For more background on the Reportable Conduct Scheme, how it works and who it will apply to please use this link: https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/reportable-conduct-scheme  

Transport  

Taxi Subsidy Scheme – Update 

There is an extension of the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) support for NDIS participants. Eligible TSS members may continue to use their TSS card to claim the subsidy until 31 December 2026.  

TSS subsidies were meant to transition to NDIS funding with the scheme’s rollout, but shortcomings in transport support have delayed this. Current TSS access for eligible NDIS participants is being extended to maintain support while the NDIS transport policy review is underway. There are no changes to the TSS processes for eligible NDIS members because of this extension.

To find out more about this scheme and to apply visit the website:  
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/taxi-subsidy 

Health  

Health Literacy in Rehabilitation Webinar 

The Hopkins Centre is hosting a webinar on Health Literacy in Rehab Wednesday 29 October, 12:30pm.  This webinar will focus on the key role health literacy plays in rehab and improving health outcomes.
Presenters of the webinar will be joined by participants from the Spinal Outreach team and Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service to discuss their experience and insights from this project.

For more information on the webinar: https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/news-view/hopkins-hour-health-literacy-in-rehab-its-531  

Addressing harm against people with cognitive disability webinar  

The UNSW Centre for Social Research in Health is hosting a webinar to explore findings on research addressing everyday harm against people with cognitive disability.
This event will focus on the findings of a three-year study on the everyday harm experienced by people with cognitive disability and how you can take steps to prevent and address everyday harm.

If you would like to register, please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/steps-to-address-everyday-harm-against-people-with-cognitive-disability-tickets-1778770172469?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Housing  

Fast-tracking more home care packages 

The Federal Government is on target to delivering an extra 20,000 Home Care Packages by 1 November when new reforms will commence.
Demand for in-home care has more than doubled in the past five years. These packages are being released in line with the National Priority System which allocates places based on individual needs.
Every person who is identified as high priority and requiring urgent support will continue to receive their packages within one month of the changes.  

For more information: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-home-program  

Special Disability Accommodation Design Standard Review Announced 

The NDIA has partnered with KPMG Australia to conduct a review of the Special Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard. This review will ensure that new build SDA design requirements stay aligned with industry standards and provide quality and safe SDA homes to support the needs of NDIS participants.
To get involved, the NDIA will be releasing a discussion paper to help guide feedback. The paper has not been released yet but you can register your interest in participating in the consultation.  

More background on the review: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/housing-and-living-supports-and-services/specialist-disability-accommodation/sda-design-standard#Standard  

Legal 

Commonwealth Ombudsman Complaint Handling Forums 

The Commonwealth Ombudsman is hosting a series of forums on complaint handling.
This year’s theme is Every Complaint Matters: Better Complaints Handling for a Fairer Future and is focused on improving how the Ombudsman listens, responds and learns from complaints, particularly from people who face barriers.
There will be five sessions, one each day from Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October.  

For more information or if you would like to register, please use this link: https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/about/education-events-and-resources/complaint-handling-forum  

NDIS    

Updated NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-2026 

The NDIA has updated the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-2026. These updates will take effect on Monday 24 November 2025.
There are a number of changes being made including: 

• Price limits on Art and Music therapists.  
• Removal of the COVID Addendum and related support items. 
• There is also going to be a new guideline on therapy supports this will explain what they are, how the NDIS can fund them and who can deliver them.  

If you want to review all the changes, please visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10924-updated-ndis-pricing-arrangements-and-price-limits-2025-26  

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Releases New Video on Safety and Competency for Code of Conduct Series 

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has released a video on Safety and Competency one of the 8 elements that make up the NDIS Code of Conduct.
The video is designed to provide real world examples of how NDIS supports must be delivered and is designed to be watched by service providers to understand their responsibilities in ensuring they have the right training, competence and qualifications and that the care they deliver is person-centred.  

To access the video please follow this link: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-code-conduct/code-conduct-videos/video-safety-and-competency  

Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form being retired 

From 21 October 2025 the Home and Living Supporting Evidence form is being removed from the NDIS website.
This form was only optional, and participants will be able to provide the necessary information in other forms. The goal of removing this form is to reduce paperwork, costs and duplication of administrative duties.
Participants can submit a change of plan request using the following forms: 

• Change of Details or Change of Situation form 
• Request for a Review of a Decision form 

Education   

New National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention 

The University of Melbourne has produced a National Best Practice Framework in Early Childhood Intervention and resource tools to help support practitioners, families and carers of children with developmental delay and/or disability.
The work has been produced with funding from the Australian Government and is part of the Early Childhood Targeted Action Plan under Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031.
Resources on the Framework and how to navigate it are now available online and can be reviewed: https://healthy-trajectories.com.au/eci-framework/  

Employment  

Brisbane 2032 Procurement Program Launched 

The Queensland Government has announced its procurement program for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
This is an opportunity for anyone with a disability who owns and operates a business to become involved in the delivery of the Olympics.
There are currently 50 open work packages and one open trade show package available.

For more information: https://gateway.icn.org.au/projects/15712  

For more information on the procurement program in general please use this link: https://www.olympics.com/en/brisbane-2032/the-committee/partners-sponsors-and-suppliers/procurement/  

Disability Support Services Sector – Brisbane Open Forums 

The Fair Work Ombudsman is hosting a series of forums as part of the Disability Support Services Sector Inquiry.
The forums are being held at the Old Inala Hall, Rosmary St and Abelia St, Inala between Wednesday 29 October and Friday 31 October 2025.
These forums will be an opportunity for employers, employees and clients who use disability support services to talk about workplace experiences.  

If you are interested in attending, please follow this link: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/compliance-and-enforcement/inquiries/disability-support-services-sector-inquiry/disability-support-services-sector-inquiry-upcoming-open-forums 

 

From Our Friends 

Policy updates regarding other peak bodies  

ASAPD Sport and Disability Forum – Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations 

The Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability 2026 Conference is inviting people to provide an expression of interest for a 3 minute presentation showcase at the Alliance forum in Sydney on Friday 20 March 2026.
If you are an academic and practice-based researcher and someone studying honours, masters or a PhD in a discipline relating to sport, recreation, health or community development you are encouraged to apply.
People with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply.  

For more information please visit: https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/news/news_feed/asapd-sport-and-disability-forum-call-for-3-minute-research-presentations 

More News/ Events 

Access Arts Achievement Award Applications Open 

Access Arts is currently accepting applications for its 2025 Achievement Award. The award is a $10,000 to advance the career of one Queensland artist, artworker or producer who experiences disability.
The award fosters, artistic excellence, leadership and visibility and is an opportunity to bring existing or new projects to life.
Applications are open until 7 November.

If you would like to know more about how to apply, please visit https://accessarts.org.au/what-we-do-to-help/grants/access-arts-achievement-award/ 

Disability Research Leadership Program 

The National Disability Research Partnership has announced they will be supporting up to 8 Masters by Research or PhD students with disability with $30,000 in a one-year program. 
Successful applicants will receive up to $15,000 in financial support to focus on research and career development, and $15,000 in flexible funding to support research and professional development such as conference travel, collaborations with disability organisations, accessible research methods and knowledge mobilisation.  

If you are interested, or know someone, who is interested in applying for the program please use this link https://www.ndrp.org.au/research/disabilityresearchleadershipprogram