Roundtable focuses on disability reform in Queensland

• Disability Reform Roundtable held in Brisbane
• Queenslanders with disability and other key stakeholders provided input and expertise  
• Topics included a proposed whole-of-government framework to guide a coordinated and structured approach to disability reform in Queensland

Queenslanders with disability and other key stakeholders have had their say on potential disability reforms at a roundtable held in Brisbane.

The Disability Reform Roundtable discussed the Queensland Government’s proposed whole-of-government framework to consider the findings of the Disability Royal Commission and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Review.

The final reports from the Royal Commission and NDIS Review recommended wide-ranging and large-scale changes to improve outcomes for Queenslanders with disability.

The proposed framework discussed at the roundtable aims to provide a coordinated and structured approach to considering disability reform across the state, with a focus on the outcomes that can be achieved to make a difference in the lives of people with disability.

A key focus for participants was on ensuring reforms are progressed in partnership with Queenslanders with disability, their families and support systems, and the organisations and associations that represent, advocate and work to support them.

The roundtable also explored what foundational supports were needed for people with disability outside the NDIS.

Participants included disability sector stakeholders, peak bodies, organisations supporting people with disability, and advocacy groups.

Disability Reform Ministers have issued a joint statement on the Commonwealth, state and territory responses to the Disability Royal Commission.

This response acknowledged the scale and complexity of reform, and the importance of consulting widely.

To accommodate this, it was agreed all governments would respond by mid 2024, beyond the deadline of 31 March 2024, the date recommended by the Disability Royal Commission for all governments to publish responses.

Queensland will respond to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations for which it has sole responsibility by mid 2024.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability Services Charis Mullen:

“The voices of people with disability must be at the heart of this important process, which is why we are committed to ensuring any reforms are developed in partnership with the disability community.

“There were some robust discussions about the proposed framework, the concept of foundational supports and how we can create a truly sector-led approach to engagement.

“I am grateful for the guidance and leadership provided by all the participants in the development of this crucial and strategic disability reform agenda.

“We want all Queenslanders to reach their full potential, and that’s why we need to work directly with people with disability to get this right.”

A list of roundtable participants can be found here.

 ENDS

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