QDN Engagement

QDN logo on a white background

Public Hearings 

Thriving Kids

On Friday 3 October QDN CEO, Michelle Moss attended a House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability hearing on the Thriving Kids Initiative.  

This was an opportunity for QDN to highlight the work that has been done on foundational supports in Queensland as well as what the Government should consider when implementing the Thriving Kids initiative. This included, co-design, equity of access to the proposed scheme, and consideration of localised one-stop services to help people find the support they need.  

For more information on the inquiry please visit https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Disability/ThrivingKidsinitiative 

Have Your Say 

Speech bubble icon with the text: "Have your say".

QDN Forums

2025 QDN Member Feedback Survey – Out Now

At Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), your experiences and insights are part of shaping our work and delivering on our mission. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.  As part of our regular engagement with members we invite you to participate in the 2025 QDN Member Feedback Survey. There is also an opportunity to enter a prize draw.

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. You can reach us on 1300 363 783 or via email at qdn@qdn.org.au.

Here is the link for you to fill out the survey online: https://forms.office.com/r/6MiaGuw19B

Disability Discrimination Act Review – QDN Members Only Forum

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is being reviewed by the Australian Attorney General’s Office. We want to hear from you to ensure the DDA protects people with disability in all areas of life, including employment, education, getting or using services, renting or buying a house or unit, and accessing public places.
We invite our members to participate in this member’s only forum to share your experiences and feedback about the DDA as well as what works and what could be done better.

The forum will be held on Thursday 9 October from 3pm to 4pm. You can register: https://events.humanitix.com/australian-disability-discrimination-act-review-forum

You can also complete an online survey through the Attorney General’s website: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/dda-community-survey/

QDN News/ Events 

Rainbow confetti falling with the text: "QDN News/ Events".

Annual General Meeting

2025 AGM banner. To images of members at previous AGM in circle frames. The four pillars "Inform connect lead influence" are below.

QDN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday 25 October. You are invited to join us at the online meeting via Zoom.

To register your attendance and to view the material that will be discussed at the meeting, please follow this link: https://qdn.org.au/2025-annual-general-meeting/

2026 QDN Emerging Leaders Program – Applications Now Open

Emerging leaders Logo. Purple and orange arrows swooping upwards.

Applications for the 2026 QDN Emerging Leaders Program are now open. This is an opportunity for people with disability who live in Queensland who want to develop leadership skills.

As part of the program successful applicants will attend face-to-face workshops, online interactive sessions, mentorship, and community activities.

If you are interested in applying, and need more information, please visit: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/emerging-leaders-program/

Applications will close Sunday 14 December, 6pm.

BOM webinar

Blue banner with the header "Severe Weather Outlook" below is the Bureau of Meteorology and QDN logo

QDN wants to provide our members and supporters with accessible data to help keep them safe during the upcoming severe weather season.

This webinar is part of the Bureau of Meteorology’s Preparedness Program, and we encourage you to come along, get informed, and be prepared for the high-risk season.

Presented by the Bureau this interactive webinar includes:

  • What to expect – a long-range weather forecast
  • Key risks for Queenslanders
  • How to use and get the most out of the BOM app and new bureau website
  • How to prepare for and stay safe this severe weather season

When: Thursday 9 October, 1pm – 2pm
Where: Online (Zoom link will be provided)

To register, you can follow this link: https://events.humanitix.com/severe-weather-season-online-webinar/tickets

Community forums – Disability Reform Update

Light blue background. Queensland Stakeholder, engagement and co-design Strategy logo.

Learn more about how you can be involved in shaping an inclusive future for people with disability. Register now to attend an online disability reform community forum on either Monday 27 or Friday 31 October.

This is an opportunity to:

  • Receive updates from Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) and the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety about the progress of the Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Strategy and work of the co-design hub.
  • Learn more about work being led by QDN to inform Foundational Supports.

These community forums are open to:

  • People with disability and their families/carers and supporters.
  • Disability, advocacy, community and peak body organisations.
  • State, local and commonwealth government representatives.

Register for a community forum using this link: https://qldcodesignstrategy.qdn.org.au/event/community-forums-disability-reform-update/

If you have any questions, please contact QDN on 1300 363 783 or qdn@qdn.org.au.

Co-design Workshops – Calling Logan and Gladstone families

Light blue background with the co-design logo in left hand corner. A dark blue text box holds the text: "Co-design workshops". The QDN, CRU, and funded by Queensland Government logos are at the bottom.

Would you like to be more involved in shaping the systems that your family engages with?
Learn about co-design at one of the free co-design workshops for family members of someone with a disability. As part of this work, Community Resource Unit (CRU) is delivering training workshops designed for family members. This is all part of the work QDN is leading in partnership with the Queensland Government to implement disability reforms in Queensland.

Gladstone

  • Thursday 23 October, 9:30am – 4:00pm

Logan

  • Thursday 13 November, 9:30am – 4:00pm

To find more information and to register, use this link: http://bit.ly/4pPFySw

Inclusion Matters – Get Involved

Yellow background with the title "Inclusion Matters". Dark yellow highlights coming out the page with the text: "Putting inclusion into action".

Inclusion Matters Forums, there is still time to get involved.

QDN has hosted many successful Inclusion Matters Forums that explored how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened—by everyone.  Led by a local QDN Peer Leader, Forums bring people with disability, families, allies, and organisations together to share ideas and actions for building more inclusive communities.

Join us at an upcoming Forum to hear about and learn 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:

  • Online session #2: Thursday 18 September
  • Online session #3: Thursday 20 November

For more information and to register, please use this link: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/inclusion-matters/

Bright Sparks Webinars – Save Energy, Save Money

Bright sparks Mascot in the top right corner. The Bright Sparks logo with a yellow background.

Free to attend and now accessible to everyone around Queensland, our online Bright Sparks Webinars are designed for and by people with disability. Each webinar has a clear focus with specific learning outcomes offering attendees a chance to learn and save more. With summer fast approaching, these lessons are important to keep your bills down.

The last remaining webinar topics include:

Understanding the Energy Market

  • Thursday 16 October, 3:30pm – 5pm

How to Switch Electricity Offers and Provider

  • Thursday 30 October, 3:30pm – 5pm

There are only two more Webinars to go – don’t miss out on practical tips from the experts Ergon Energy.

For more information and to register, please follow this link: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/bright-sparks-webinars-2025/

All Abilities Showcase – Develop an inclusive workplace

Clean white background with the All Abilities logo. The QDN and ULaunch logos are below.

View the highlights and videos captured from the JobMatch All Abilities Showcase.

Learn valuable insights from people with disability, employers, and employment organisations.

You can find the full discussion and videos captured from the showcase using this link: https://qdn.org.au/all-abilities-jobmatch-showcase/

All Abilities JobMatch is a partnership between QDN, uLaunch and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Policy Submissions 

A document icon is on the top corner with an arrow pointing to the text: "QDN Submission".

In-Progress

Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act Review   

The Commonwealth 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. To 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.  
 

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 clearer, more inclusive and easier to use. The Queensland Government is conducting a survey to address these issues. After speaking with members, QDN will develop a written submission to ensure that the Charter of Victim’s Rights meet the needs of people with disability who have experienced crimes.   

To give feedback on the Charter of Victims’ Rights, complete this online survey: https://victimscommissioner.engagementhub.com.au/   
The survey closes on Friday 17 October 2025.   

Learn more about the review: https://www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au/our-work/review-of-the-charter-of-victims-rights 

Submissions close Friday 17 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.  

QDN will be providing a submission to the inquiry and will be conducting a forum (time to be finalised) to lead the response to the terms of reference of this inquiry.  

To learn more about the Child Safety Inquiry, please use this link: https://www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov.au/
 

Disability Standards for Education 

The Australian Government has announced a review of 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: 

  1. Effective implementation of the Standards. 
  1. Inclusive decision-making 
  1. 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 21 November 2025, for more information on how to get involved please visit: https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005/consultations/2025-review-disability-standards-education-consultation  

 

Completed 

National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (third edition)  

As you may already be aware, there was a consultation on the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) to develop an improved healthcare framework. The purpose is to ensure that there is consistent, high-quality and safe healthcare for all Australians. 

Our submission on this consultation is part of our advocacy for people with disability have their voices heard about how they receive safe, high-quality healthcare that meets their personal needs.   

Find out more about the consultation:  https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards/nsqhs-standards-third-edition-engagement-hub
 

Inquiry into Thriving Kids Initiative   

On Tuesday 2 September 2025, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability launched an inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative. This follows the announcement of the program by Minister for Health, the Hon. Mark Butler MP during his speech at the National Press Club on 20 August 2025.    

The Committee is offering a survey on support services for children with disability. They want to hear from families, carers, service providers, educators, and health professionals to better understand the challenges that people experience when booking or attending appointments for children, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or specialist appointments.  

The survey is open until Friday 10 October 2025.  

To access to the survey: http://bit.ly/3K9HPYp  

Policy Updates

There is a circular arrow pointing to the text: "Policy Updates".

Child Safety 

Introduction of 10 Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle for First Nations Child Safety 

Last week the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety announced the introduction of 10 new Child Safe Standards designed to promote children’s rights, harm of children is prevented, and allegations of abuse or neglect are responded to appropriately. These 10 Child Safe Standards align with the Universal Principle for Child Safety. 

All child and family support services, child protection services and services for children with disability are now required to comply with these standards and the Universal Principle.  

The Queensland Family and Child Commission has developed implementation guidelines which can be found at Child Safe Organisations | Queensland Family and Child Commission 

To find out more about the changes in general please visit Child safe organisations | Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety

Transport 

Changes to disability parking permits  

The Queensland Government has announced changes to disability parking permits in Queensland. You can now receive 3 parking permits for free. You can apply for the extra parking permits online, or by filling out Part 1 of the Australian Disability Parking Permit – Mobility Impairment Application form. 

To learn more or to apply please click on the link Apply for disability parking permit (Individual) | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government 


Health  

Thriving Kids Advisory Group Announcement  

Minister for Health, The Hon. Mark Butler MP has announced the creation of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group to provide advice on how best to support children and families across Australia.  

The Group will be co-chaired by Minister Butler and Professor Frank Oberklaid and is made up of 15 people from a range of fields.  

For more information please visit Thriving Kids | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
 

Legal 

Student-led Pro Bono Project Leads to Online Database of NDIS Appeals 

A student-led, pro bono, online resource is now available for appealing decisions who have sought service or support through the NDIS.  

The NDIS Appeals Database will give lawyers and advocates a fast and easy way to find similar cases and compare decisions the tribunal has made on NDIS access and support.  

For more information, please visit Student-led pro bono project leads to online database of NDIS appeals – News – The University of Queensland

NDIS    

New Tool for NDIS Assessments Announced  

On 25 September, the Federal Government announced it has procured the license for a new needs assessment tool known as the Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN).  

The tool will be used to assess participants 16 years and over to determine their disability support needs as part of the new planning framework under the NDIS Act.  

The tool will be introduced in stages from mid-2026 to assist participants to provide feedback.  

For more information please visit: New tool to deliver simpler pathway to disability supports | NDIS.
 

NDIS Practice Standards Reform 

The NDIS has announced that it will be undertaking upgrades on two practice standards to better support providers and workers. The standards to be reformed include:  

  1. Developing and testing a new Supported Independent Living (SIL) Practice Standard. 
  1. NDIS Practice Standards Review. 

This work will provide insights, evidence and documents for the NDIS Commission to consider when making future decisions about NDIS regulatory policy and is part of implementing insights from the Disability Royal Commission.  

For more information please visit NDIS practice standards reform | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. 

 

From Our Friends

Dark blue background with two friends hugging. the text reads: "From our Friends".

Policy updates regarding other peak bodies  

Queensland Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability and Autism Health (QCEIDAH) – Calling for participants. 

QCEIDAH and the Kids Institute are completing a National Centre project about models of healthcare in intellectual disability health. As part of this study we are inviting participants, including healthcare professionals, people with intellectual disability and carers of people with intellectual disability to take part in interviews. The interviews will take no more than an hour and will be conducted primarily over video-conferencing software (can also occur in person depending on where the participants are located). Participants will each be given a $50 e-gift-card to thank them for their time.
To apply please contact the researcher: Dr Kitty Foley, by phone: (07) 3163 2446 or by email: kitty.foley@mater.uq.edu.au 

 

People with Disability Australia Digital Health Services Usage Survey 

People with Disability Australia has prepared a digital survey to help ensure that digital health tools and apps currently prepared by the Australian Digital Health Agency are easier for people with disability to use.  

The survey will help the Australian Digital Health Agency understand how people with disability use their online tools and apps and help the agency make changes to help people with disability when using these tools and apps in the future.  

If you would like to complete the survey, please click this link Complete our survey on Digital Health Services Usage and Privacy Concerns for People with Disability – People with Disability Australia 

The survey will remain open until Monday 27 October 9am (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time).

Policy News / Events  

Disability Evaluation Toolkit  

The Government has released a disability evaluation toolkit to support people with disability to be confident to engage in evaluations and ensure evaluations are accessible and inclusive.  

The toolkit provides resources for people with disability, for evaluators as well as fact sheets concerning adjustments, evaluations and ethics.  

For more information on the evaluation toolkit please visit Toolkit for engaging with people with disability in evaluation | Disability Gateway

More News / Events 

UQ study opportunity – Call for participants 

The University of Queensland (UQ) wants to understand how people with disability and their families see their role in the research of human genes science. The study wants to understand what the barriers and facilitators to meaningful engagements in this research are.  

 Who can be part of this study?   

  • People with disability with a genetic condition. 
  • Family members and carers.  

If you are interested, please email Radostina Breedt at r.breedt@student.uq.edu.au

Virtus World Athletics Championship – You’re Invited!  

Brisbane is hosting the International Virtus World Athletics Championship 2025.  

The championships will showcase the talents of elite athletes with an intellectual disability from all over the world. Taking place over a four-day period this FREE event will bring together up to 400 athletes and sporting officials. Join to support and cheer on the athletes with your friends and family.  

The Championships are being held at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre from Wednesday 8 October to Wednesday 15 October. 

To join the excitement and find out more about how you can get involved, follow this link: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-virtus-world-athletics-championships
 

Homeless Connect 

Homeless Connect is a FREE family-friendly event for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  

Enjoy a meal and acitivies in a welcoming environment with free access to medical care, housing and employment support, legal advice, haircuts, food, toiletries and clothing.  

The event is on Friday 7 November at the Brisbane Showgrounds, 665 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills.  

Stories 

QDN’s policy team wants to hear about the issues impacting your lives. If you have a story to share, fill out a story form on our website: https://qdn.org.au/our-advocacy/ 

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/

 

QDN’s Social Media.

Follow us here.