The Palaszczuk Government has today unveiled Queensland’s new disability plan – the state’s first since the full transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford said Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022-27, Together, a better Queensland is a plan for the one-in-five Queenslanders living with disability, including those in the NDIS.
“More than 900,000 Queenslanders live with disability, and we are committed to making sure that people with disability have what they need to live their best lives,” Mr Crawford said.
“Aligning with Australia’s Disability Strategy, Queensland’s plan highlights seven priority areas for action, including employment, inclusive homes, safety, community support, education, health and community attitudes.
“We expect more than 180,000 Queenslanders will be participating in the NDIS in the next ten years.
“The Palaszczuk Government investment of more than $2 billion a year in this scheme is the centrepiece of driving the inclusion of people with disability.
“That’s why this state plan, which builds on the previous plan, was co-designed with people with disability, putting their lived experiences and needs at the heart of the plan.”
Mr Crawford said the new disability plan encompasses the unique aspects of Queensland’s peoples, regions and diversity.
“The plan outlines priorities to increase employment opportunities for people with disability and strengthen financial independence, as well as increase access to high quality education from early childhood through to tertiary education and training.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to live in supportive, inclusive communities, and so the plan identifies increasing appropriately-designed accessible housing and public infrastructure as priorities, as well as shaping positive community attitudes toward people with disability.”
Queensland Disability Advisory Council member and long-time advocate for First Nations people with disability, Community Elder Uncle Paul Calcott, said:
“As a Wiradjuri man with disability, I am pleased the Queensland Disability Plan is reflective of the diversity within the disability community in Queensland.
“Through the plan the Queensland Government recognises that people with disability are strong, resilient individuals and the narrators of their own stories. I believe in a Queensland where we not only accommodate this diversity, we celebrate it.
“The plan will continue to identify and build on opportunities to create a strong and respectful culture of inclusion for all Queenslanders living with a disability, their families and carers.”
Mr Crawford said Queensland Government departments will each be developing, publishing and delivering action plans that align with and implement Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022-27.
“It’s important to recognise that creating a disability-inclusive state is a job for all of us, not just government.
“I invite and encourage all levels of government, businesses, industries, organisations and communities to make the same commitment to work collectively and with people with disability to improve access and inclusion – so that everyone can fulfil their potential.”
