New co-design strategy puts Queenslanders with disability at the heart of sector reforms

• The next stage of disability reforms is underway with the release of a new sector-led Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-design Strategy 
• Queenslanders with Disability Network will receive $4 million over four years to lead the strategy, paving the way for innovative solutions and improved outcomes
• The strategy ensures people with disability and key stakeholders are at the centre of Queensland’s disability reform work

A new engagement and co-design strategy will ensure the voices of Queenslanders with disability and the disability community are at the heart of significant disability reforms, leading to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.

Disability Minister Charis Mullen has released the Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-design Strategy.

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) will receive $4 million over four years to lead the implementation of the strategy to ensure people with disability and the disability community are engaged at all stages of statewide reforms.

The initiative will guide how Queenslanders with disability and the disability sector are involved in the design, testing, transition and implementation of the Queensland Disability Reform Framework and the Queensland Government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission.

Developed by QDN, in consultation with people with disability and the disability sector, the strategy includes establishing a Disability Engagement and Co-design Hub to support meaningful engagement and capacity building activities for individuals, the sector and government agencies.

A new advisory stakeholder committee will also be established, drawing on lived experiences of people with disability, advocates, services providers and peak bodies to monitor the strategy and provide expert advice to government.

Local leaders and will also be employed to lead place-based activities across the state to identify local issues, which will assist in the development of policies and reforms.

The strategy will complement peak funding arrangements in Queensland and leverage the significant role peak bodies have in representing the views of people with disability, the sector and community and in identifying systemic priorities and providing advice and guidance to shape reform processes.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability Services Charis Mullen:

“I am delighted to release the Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Strategy.

“This strategy reflects our desire to work in genuine partnership with Queenslanders with disability as we implement significant disability reforms.

“This is an historic time for the disability sector, and we want Queenslanders with disability to help lead the way to deliver better outcomes and innovative solutions for the benefit of generations to come.

“QDN has done a fantastic job leveraging its extensive network of members and supporters and worked closely with other peak bodies, the sector and the disability community to develop the strategy.

“I have no doubt this strategy will have wide-ranging and long-lasting positive impacts for people with disability, their families and carers as we build a more inclusive and accessible society for all.”

Quotes attributable to Queenslanders with Disability Network CEO Michelle Moss:

“The Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-design Strategy lays a strong foundation for how we will do the important work together over the coming years to drive real change in the implementation of disability reforms.

“This strategy ensures that the voices and experiences of Queenslanders with disability are at the forefront, while we work together with key stakeholders including families and carers, providers, advocacy, peaks and government agencies.

“Together, we can work to create innovative solutions that will deliver on outcomes for more inclusive and accessible services and systems that benefit our community today and into the future.”

Further information:

• The Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Strategy is available here.

ENDS