- The 2024 Queensland Disability Conference is on in Brisbane today, with the theme Imagining Possibilities: Shaping an Inclusive Queensland
- Queenslanders with disability, advocates, organisations working in the sector and government representatives will attend
- More than 900,000 Queenslanders live with disability
The voices of people with disability are front and centre at the 2024 Queensland Disability Conference being held in Brisbane today.
The conference brings together people with disability, advocates, organisations and government representatives under the theme Imagining Possibilities: Shaping an Inclusive Queensland.
Minister for Disability Services Charis Mullen opened the event.
It included discussions on upcoming disability reforms, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, research and data, inclusive mainstream systems and how the state can boost equity and inclusion for all Queenslanders.
There was also an expert panel about inclusion and accessibility at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Actions to reform disability services and improve outcomes for Queenslanders with disability are already underway with the state government taking on board community feedback.
These include commitments through an initial investment of more than $160 million for reforms in the 2024–25 State Budget, such as:
- $5 million in 2024–25 to expand individual and systemic disability advocacy to uphold the rights and needs of people with disability in Queensland
- $10 million in 2024–25 for a temporary uplift to the Queensland Community Support Scheme, which helps Queenslanders not eligible for the NDIS to live independently (operated by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts)
- $6.5 million in 2024–25 for a pilot of a Hospital Assistive Technology Loan Pool and an expansion of supports provided under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (provided by Queensland Health)
- $24.4 million over five years for a stakeholder engagement strategy led by the disability sector to support implementation of the Queensland Government's responses to the recommendations; to improve disability data and reporting; and strategic leadership, implementation and monitoring of disability reforms across the Queensland community.
The conference has been organised by Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) in partnership with the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services.
It comes ahead of Disability Action Week, which will run from 24 November to 1 December, with the theme Accessible communication: connect, include and empower.
The week will be an opportunity to reflect on progress and what Queenslanders can do to build a more accessible and inclusive state, including small, easy changes that can make the difference for people with diverse communication needs.
As stated by Minister for Disability Services Charis Mullen:
"Today's conference comes at a time of significant reforms at both a state and national level.
"The years ahead represent a time of unprecedented change for Queenslanders with disability.
"It's a time when advances in the inclusion of people with disability will be driven by reforms stemming from the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS review.
"These reforms aim to ensure all people with disability are treated equally and respectfully, and that quality services exist no matter where you live.
"And as we look to deliver these reforms, the voices of people with disability will be at the centre of all our work.
As stated by Queenslanders with Disability Network CEO Michelle Moss:
"Ensuring people with disability have a strong voice and that we are working in partnership is critical in delivering transformational reforms that are occurring in the disability sector.
"Working in partnership with people with disability is at the core of everything we do, and today's conference is about listening to the voices of people with disability as we embark on these reforms in the sector.
"The upcoming reforms and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a unique opportunity for meaningful transformation within our communities.
This change will require the concerted efforts of all sectors – government, business, industry, advocacy groups, and the disability service sector.
Equally important is the active involvement and collaboration of people with disability, their families, and caregivers."
