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QDN Policy E-News Wednesday 19 August 2026
Announcement
NDIS Amendment Bill (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) passes
On 14 August, the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee released its final report following its inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.The NDIS Amendment Bill passed the Senate last night 18 August, with some changes. This follows months of significant advocacy by people with disability, families, disability led organisations and the broader disability community.
QDN has worked alongside Queenslanders with disability and our allies to raise concerns about the potential impacts of these reforms and to ensure the voices and lived experience of people with disability are heard in decisions about the future of the NDIS.
While advocacy has resulted in amendments to the Bill, significant concerns remain about what these changes will mean in practice — particularly for people whose NDIS supports may change or who may be expected to access supports outside the Scheme.
Our focus now remains clear. People with disability must not fall through the gaps. As implementation moves forward, QDN will continue to advocate for transparency, safeguards, and adequately funded foundational and mainstream supports. The voices of people with disability must remain at the table and central to every decision about how these reforms are implemented.
The NDIS was built on the principles of choice, control and inclusion. QDN will continue working to ensure those principles remain at the centre of the Scheme and the broader disability support system.
You can access copy of Senate Committee report here https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/NDISFutureGenBill
If you want to reach out to your member of parliament, please click the following link:
https://qdn.org.au/our-advocacy/ndis/
Inclusion Australia has also completed an easy read version of the changes which can be accessed by clicking the following link: https://www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/the-senate-has-passed-the-ndis-bill-with-changes-what-it-means-and-what-inclusion-australia-thinks/
Have your say
Public consultation to help inform a possible ‘commissioning’ approach for part of the SIL market
This consultation closes 13 September 2026. |
Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability Brisbane Symposium
The Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability has announced a symposium, ‘Working with People with Intellectual Disability who have experienced Trauma: For Individual Practitioners within Community and Service Systems. The Symposium will take place on 15 September between 9am and 2pm at Windsor Community Centre. This is a chance for members with an intellectual disability to have their say and listen to speakers about:
If you would like to attend, please register by clicking the following link: https://asid.asn.au/events-and-webinars/#!event/2026/9/15/asid-symposium-working-with-people-with-intellectual-disability-who-have-experienced-trauma-for-individual-practitioners-within-community-and-service-systems |
News and Events
Queensland Disability Conference 2026 – ‘Access All Areas: The Road Ahead’
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the Queensland Disability Conference 2026, Brisbane.
Event highlights will include discussions on:
- Disability reforms
- Brisbane 2032 Games – Social and economic impact
- Accessible and inclusive transport
The online event will be held on an interactive platform, where you will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other attendees, whilst watching a live feed of the presentation.
Date: Friday, 11 September 2026.
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm.
Where: Online – Via Zoom.
Register by clicking the following link:
https://events.humanitix.com/queensland-disability-conference-2026-online
Policy Submissions
Completed
National Redress Scheme 8th Anniversary Review
The National Redress Scheme was created to provide financial and counselling support to victims of sexual childhood abuse in institutions prior to 1 July 2018.
QDN provided a submission to the National Redress Scheme as we understand that children with disability are twice as likely to experience sexual abuse as children who do not have a disability.
In our submission, QDN advocated for the National Redress Scheme to remain open, instead of closing in 2028, as there may be a large portion of people with disability who are unaware of the scheme, or not ready to apply.
To learn more about the National Disability Redress Scheme 8th Anniversary Review, click the following link:
https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-redress-scheme-eighth-anniversary-review/
Consultation on the Second Action Plan (National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032)
QDN provided feedback to the Australian Government on the Second Action Plan (National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032).
Our submission reviewed the five key areas of the Action Plan, including:
- Victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence
- Prevention and early intervention
- Children and young people in their own right
- People who use violence
- System integration and workforce.
To learn more, please visit the website by clicking the following link: https://engage.dss.gov.au/second-action-plan/
Policy Updates
Housing
Queensland Government's Housing Plan
The Queensland Government has released the revised Housing Plan – A Place to Call Home. This plan includes multiple activities, such as:
- Releasing land for housing
- Delivering more social homes
- Extending the $30,000 first homeowner grant, and more.
QDN is pleased to continue work as part of Housing Plan in 2026-27, including the Expert Disability Housing Advisory Panel (EDHAP), My Housing Options and Small Changes Big Difference. These projects play an important role in QDN’s continued advocacy towards increasing the accessibility and availability of suitable housing options or people with disability.
To learn more about the Housing Plan, go to the Queensland Government website: https://aplacetocallhome.initiatives.qld.gov.au/
You can learn more about the QDN housing projects on our website: https://qdn.org.au/our-advocacy/housing/
NDIS
Australian Institute Report on NDIS Cuts
A new research paper titled ‘The NDIS cuts: a poor reflection of our national character’ has been published by the Australian institute. This paper discusses the impact of the NDIS that were proposed by the government in the 2026–27 Budget.
Researchers use forecasts of population growth, inflation, and the size of the economy from the budget and from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) to make their predictions.
The authors of the report state that there is little evidence to support claims of fraud within the NDIS by organised crime. They also argue that the government could earn $31.8 billion over four years by putting a 25% tax on gas exports, so there is no need to cut NDIS funding.
Read the full report by clicking on the Australian Policy Online website:
https://apo.org.au/node/335470?utm_campaign=Policy-Pulse-17-August-2026&utm_content=apo.org.au%2Fnode%2F335470&utm_medium=email&utm_source=comms.apo.org.au
Means Testing the NDIS: Fiscal and Distributional Effects
A report has been published which examines what impacts would occur if a pension-style means test was used to determine a person’s eligibility for the NDIS.
The paper draws several conclusions including that the Government would reduce spending by 12%, or $4.5 billion in 2024. However, because most adult NDIS participants (87%) receive the Disability Support Pension as their sole income, they would be unable to pay for services not funded by the NDIS.
Read the full report by clicking the following link:
https://apo.org.au/node/335439?utm_campaign=Policy-Pulse-13-August-2026&utm_content=apo.org.au%2Fnode%2F335439&utm_medium=email&utm_source=comms.apo.org.au
Transport
Reforms to the Disability Standards for Assessable Public Transport
On 11 August 2026, the Australian Parliament announced reforms to the Disability Standards for Assessable Public Transport (DSPAT).
QDN was involved in the consultation to update the standards, and provided a written submission informed by feedback from members who attended an online forum.
Some of the amendments to DSAPT that aligned with the recommendations in QDN’s submission include:
- A new requirement for access paths to be easily identifiable and designed to minimise the distance that people with disability need to move to travel between accessible facilities of premises or infrastructure.
- Introduction of a new ratio approach to determine the minimum number of priority seats and allocated spaces that must be provided. These requirements will round the number of accessible units upwards to improve access to public transport by ensuring people with disability have greater access to priority seating and allocated spaces when needed.
- A new requirement for any information and communication technology (ICT) that an operator or provider intends for public use to be accessible to people with disability.
The above reforms demonstrate how member participation can help shape real change in policy.
To read the complete list of amendments to DSAPT, click the following link:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01002/latest/text
Department of Transport and Main Roads Disability Action Plan
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) have released their Disability Action Plan for 2026-28.
This action plan consists of 5 key areas:
- Policy, planning and partnerships
- Stations and stops
- Vehicles
- Information and customer services
- Taxi and booked hire services
In each of the above key areas, TMR outlines the barriers they have heard from people with disability, and what they will be doing to make public transport more accessible. This includes improvements made to information and customer service, wayfinding, seating, ramps, aisle width and movement corridors, accessible toilet facilities, and more.
Read the full TMR Action Plan by clicking the following link:
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/disability-access-and-mobility/disability-action-plan
Transport Affordability Amendment Bill Report
On 11 August, the Queensland Government’s State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee released its report into the Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026.
The main objectives of the Bill are to:
- Provide a head of power to enable fuel pricing reporting
- Cap daily fuel prices so that they are no higher than 5 cents a day.
- Require the government of the day to pass a motion in parliament before public transport fares can be increased.
For more information on the Bill and to read the report, by clicking the following link:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=0&id=8565
Sport
Queensland Sport Strategic Plan
The Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games have released their strategic plan for 2026-2030. The plan outlines how the QLD Government aims to use the 2032 Olympics to leave a lasting legacy for all Queenslanders through participation in sport.
The objectives include:
- Queensland as a sporting state
- Inclusive and sustainable places and spaces
- Coordination of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
As this strategic plan has a large focus on inclusivity and accessibility, members may be able to experience benefits including upgrades to sporting facilities and new opportunities to participate in sporting activities.
To read the full strategic plan, head to the Government’s website: https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/dsropg-strategic-plan-2026-2030/resource/41ae7864-5ec0-4365-ab53-0cdd49f66453
Arts and Culture
Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan
The Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026–2032 has been published. This document is the Government’s response to Moonside: The Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026.
The action plan has four priority areas:
- Making it easier for nightlife businesses to thrive
- Backing live music and cultural experiences
- Activating local nightlife precincts
- Supporting a safe night for everyone
- Building a stronger nightlife economy
QDN provided input into this action plan, advocating inclusive service for people with disability and feedback regarding training for hospitality staff.
To read the Nightlife Economy Action Plan, go to the Department of Housing and Public Works Website by clicking the following link:
https://www.housing.qld.gov.au/news-publications/strategies-plans/queensland-nightlife-economy-action-plan
From our friends
Policy updates regarding other peak bodies
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Peak Bodies Determine Their Shared Priorities and Recommendations
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Peak Bodies, including Mental Health Australia, Suicide Prevention Australia and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia have decided on their key priorities and recommendations in the lead up to the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
Some of the recommendations that organisational representatives agreed on include:
- Strengthening governance and accountability
- Enabling genuinely independent system oversight
- Ensuring equitable access to supports
- Sustainably funding mental health and suicide prevention
- Investing in workforce wellbeing, growth, retention, distribution and capability
- Improving existing services
By having a shared message, these peak bodies hope to clearly communicate what reforms are required in the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Sectors
To read a detailed summary of each recommendation, or learn more about other priorities, head to the Mental Health Australia website:
https://www.mentalhealthaustralia.org.au/articles/media-releases/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-sector-peak-bodies-unite-priorities/
Webinar: Supporting Children and Young People with Disability Experiencing Family Violence
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) and the Australian Institute of Family Services (AIFS) are hosting a webinar to discuss how children and young people with disability from diverse backgrounds experience family and domestic violence in Australia.
The webinar will explore some of the key findings from the ‘Safety Beyond Barriers: Diverse Family Perspectives on Violence and Disability’ project, which was co-designed with lived and family experience of disability from LGBTIQA+, First Nations, multicultural and regional and remote backgrounds.
The webinar will take place 2 September 2026 from 1pm to 2pm (AEST).
To register for the event, click here:
https://aifs.gov.au/resources/webinars/supporting-children-and-young-people-disability-experiencing-family-violence
Free Legal and Social Support Services
Caxton Community Services have updated their website to make it easier for people to get support relating to human rights and government decisions, disasters, seniors, family and domestic violence, and more. Their website contains self-help resources, fact sheets and information phone lines.
To view all services and supports, head to the Caxton Community Services website:
https://caxton.org.au/families-domestic-violence
National Disability Research Partnership – Evidence to Action Event
The National Disability Research Partnership is hosting an event on 24 August 2026 from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
Titled ‘The impact of investing in research co-design’ the event will bring together co-design teams that focused on the safety of people with disability. They will share what they have learnt, what changes and what they recommend for future actions.
If you would like to register, please by clicking the following link:
https://content.ndrp.org.au/evidence-to-action-register-now
Self-paced Online Courses about Queensland’s Community Service Sector
Community Door has developed free courses to help people who are starting their career in the community services sector to learn practical workplace skills. The courses contain information about the different service areas, key organisations, relevant legislation, referral pathways, systemic factors that contribute to disadvantage, and how community sector workers can support change and advocate for better outcomes.
To learn more about these courses, go to the Community Door website:
https://communitydoor.org.au/elearning
Stories
QDN’s policy team wants to hear about the issues impacting your lives.
If you have a story to share, follow the link below to fill out a story form on our website:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=pN22SPKKGkecMSBHox1OyJbhb2Rfc4BBj97rFvpKHtlUQTFEQzg3WEY1VjhLMFI5NkZOQ0RETlhNSiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl