The Palaszczuk Government has shown its commitment to giving Queenslanders with disability a stronger voice in government through a new area of the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.
Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke said all eligible Queenslanders with disability can now access services and support through the NDIS across all areas of Queensland.
“With the full roll-out of the NDIS the Queensland Government’s traditional role in disability services has changed,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“We no longer directly fund the majority of disability services through contracts with service providers.
“Instead, the Queensland Government now plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for people with disability, along with monitoring the NDIS to ensure it is delivering the outcomes we all expect for Queenslanders with disability.”
Minister O’Rourke said to ensure the oversight and advocacy that Queenslanders with disability deserve is provided, the Palaszczuk Government had created a new area within the department, Disability Connect Queensland (DCQ) – previously Disability Services Queensland.
“Today I am pleased to announce Disability Connect Queensland, an area of the Department that will deliver on Queenslanders with disabilities’ strongest demand – nothing about us without us,” she said.
“Our vision is for people with disability to drive positive change in Queensland.
“We want all Queenslanders with disability and their families to be able to take advantage of the full range of social and economic opportunities available in our great State.
“A key strategy of DCQ will be to seek and consider the lived experience and views of people with disability, their families, carers and the sector, as we continue to build a more inclusive and accessible Queensland.
“DCQ will ensure people with disability are treated with respect and dignity, have control of the services they receive and have continuing opportunities for social and economic participation in their communities.
“DCQ will also monitor the Queensland Government’s ongoing investment in the NDIS to ensure it delivers on projected employment and economic benefits for Queenslanders.
“Our new role means we are as committed as ever to supporting Queenslanders with disability, which was reinforced by more than $1.45 billion invested by the Palaszczuk Government in disability services in the 2019-2020 State Budget.”
To demonstrate leadership in removing barriers for employment of people with disability, DCQ will have a goal of 20 percent of the areas existing FTEs being people with disability.
