The Queensland Government has committed to securing a fair deal for Queenslanders with disability in ongoing funding negotiations with the Commonwealth.
The Disability Reform Ministerial Council (DRMC) met in Canberra today to discuss improvements for people with disability both within and outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Queensland’s Minister for Disability Services Charis Mullen joined state and territory counterparts in agreeing on priority reforms following recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review.
An immediate focus will be the development of a national foundational supports strategy to ensure all people with disability can access essential services when needed. Queensland will also align its approach to disability reform to address overlapping recommendations from both inquiries.
Next month, Queenslanders with disability and key stakeholders will be invited to participate in a roundtable to discuss proposed reforms.
The roundtable will explore key outcomes, prioritise reforms, and facilitate collaboration between the Queensland Government and the disability community to shape and implement meaningful changes.
Participants will include people with lived experience of disability, sector representatives, peak bodies, and advocacy groups, ensuring the voices of people with disability remain central to decision-making.
Disability Services Minister Charis Mullen said the government is committed to improving outcomes for Queenslanders with disability.
“We will always fight for better outcomes for Queenslanders with disability, their carers, families and the wider sector,” Ms Mullen said.
“It’s critical that we get the design of the foundational support system right so Queenslanders with disability can access the supports they need when they choose.
“Any changes to the NDIS must be carefully planned to ensure people with disability have continuous access to essential services.
“Queenslanders with disability, their family members and carers, are the experts of their own lives.
“That’s why we’ll always ensure their voices and those of the disability sector are at the heart of any decision-making.
“We value this lived experience and will work alongside Queensland’s disability community to create a more inclusive and accessible state.”