New Disability Council Members to give Fresh Perspective

Queenslanders with disabilities will have a new voice in government with the appointment of new members to ten Regional Disability councils today.

Minister for Disability Services Lindy Nelson-Carr said the newly appointed members would provide an interesting perspective on disability services throughout the state.

“Disability Councils provide a voice for the community as well as a feedback mechanism on policy and other decisions made by the department,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The councils allow everybody to have a say and express their views on disability services, whether they are people with disabilities, carers, services providers or members of the general community.”

Each regional council consists of up to ten members. The Chairpersons from each of the regional councils then form the Disability Council of Queensland. An independent Chairperson of the Council is then appointed by the Minister.

Ms Nelson-Carr said previous councils had made a very positive impact and contributed significantly toward ministerial and departmental decision-making.

“It is important that regional communities are represented,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“People in regional areas have different needs and concerns to those from South East Queensland, and we recognise that their voices need to be heard.

“The model of having regional Chairpersons make up the Disability Council of Queensland has worked very well in this respect.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said she expected the newly appointed members to provide a high level of service to their local communities.

“The structure of the Disability Councils has previously served us well, and I look forward to working with the new and continuing members, to promote equity and fairness for all Queenslanders, ensuring everybody’s voice is heard,” she said.


Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280