On Friday last week, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP attended a community forum in Mackay hosted by the Queenslanders With Disability Network (QDN), sparking important conversations about NDIS reform and the ongoing Royal Commission at the federal level.
This marked the third such forum for Minister Camm, with others held in Cairns and Brisbane. These forums aim to listen to those living with disabilities, identify what is working, and highlight areas where support services may be lacking, particularly in regional and rural areas like Mackay and the Whitsundays.
“The Queensland government is partnering with the Qld disability network to consult across the state with those living with a disability along with service providers and other agencies to identify the priorities that we as a state government need to consider given the large reform being led by the federal government with the NDIS,” said Ms Camm.
“It was an opportunity to hear from local disability advocates who shared where there are gaps in services to support their needs.”
Ms Camm further noted that “These gaps become bigger in regional and rural settings like Mackay and the Whitsundays.”
In late 2024, the Queensland Disability Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Design Strategy was introduced to place people with disabilities at the forefront of the disability reform process through Co-design. The strategy involves establishing governance structures, creating a Disability Engagement and Co-Design Hub, organising community engagement activities, and supporting data collection to ensure that the needs of the disability community are effectively addressed.
Queenslanders With Disability Network (QDN) promotes inclusive communities and advocates for equal rights. Through initiatives like Peer Support Groups, QDeNgage, and the Emerging Leaders Program, QDN connects people with disabilities, encourages inclusive design, and nurtures the next generation of leaders.
The network addresses essential issues such as the NDIS, healthcare, accessible housing, transport, disaster planning, and employment, ensuring people with disabilities have a say in all decision-making processes.
Ms Camm stressed the power of community voices in shaping meaningful change.
“It’s important our communities voices are heard in these reforms.”
1: Queensland Disability Peak and Representative Network organisations met with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm in November last year
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