In June, NDS in Queensland was happy to partner with the Quality and Safeguards Commission on a workshop on reducing regulatory burden. It was one of a series of face-to-face and online workshops that the Commission had organised around Australia. The fact that more than 90 Members attended shows you the concern in the provider community about this issue. The staff of the Commission were very open to members stories and questions.    

The release of the NDIS pricing review was a mixed bag for providers. The 2023–24 prices include a full pass on of the 5.75 per cent increase to award wages announced recently by the Fair Work Commission. But it was disappointing that some providers once again missed out on indexation. Therapy supports, Level two and three support coordination and plan management have received no increase yet again. 

In early July, nominations open for the Queensland Divisional Committee. We encourage the nomination of anyone who would like to bring their senior leadership disability expertise to support NDS on priorities and strategies for both QLD and nationally. On a broad range of issues, the Committee supports the NDS State Manager in engaging with the Queensland Government and the disability support sector.   

The Committee holds bi-monthly meetings, and committee members can be part of a range of activities that identify and advocate for solutions to key issues affecting the people of Queensland with a disability — in particular, those not eligible for the NDIS — and the services who support them. Committee members can participate in regional workshops and city forums, allowing them to engage with members and hear their priorities and ideas.   

The Committee welcomes nominations from the voting representatives of NDS members in Queensland who believe in this vision and who want to help to make it a reality.