Connect - Winter 2008 (Issue 15)

• Welcome to Connect
• Message from the Minister
• Regional families benefit
• Big brother house
• Scrap metal turns to gold
• Council stands for action
• Council's community links
• Access all areas
• Homes get nod for access
• Aspiring sports stars
• Beating the drum
• Big achievements
• Shear good fortune
• DSQ welcomes a new perspective
• Little Jems playgroup is a gem
• Wax on, wax off
• More access to QPAC
• Women and violence
• A Connect feature on the views of people within the disability sector

Message from the Minister

Hon Lindy Nelson-Carr MP

I was very proud to announce the new Disability Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 in Parliament recently, establishing even more safeguards to protect the rights of Queenslanders with a disability.

This landmark legislation, which comes in from July 1, will protect the rights of people with an intellectual or cognitive disability who exhibit challenging behaviour. It will also help provide certainty for Disability Services Queensland-provided and funded services who work with these most vulnerable citizens.

The legislation is a key element of our $113 million response to the Carter Report into enhancing safeguards for this target group of an estimated 300 people. It is complemented by enhanced support and training for staff, the appointment of a specialist network to deliver best practice training across the state and establishment of Australia's only Centre of Excellence for Behaviour Support.

It is the result of statewide consultation with people with a disability, families, carers, policy makers, clinicians, service providers and advocates. Their perspectives, experiences and expertise have been invaluable in helping us draft the new legislation
and I extend my sincere thanks for their significant contribution.

Delegates at the 2007 Rockhampton Shared Visions forum.

During the consultation, families said they wanted a greater role in decision making, alongside the Guardianship and Administration Tribunal. Stakeholders also said they wanted the legislation to make sure the least restrictive practice was used and closely monitored. We have listened and these aspects are among many safeguards now enshrined in the legislation.

Ongoing community involvement is essential to the vibrancy of the Queensland disability sector and I am delighted to reaffirm our commitment to this cooperation through the continuation of the Shared Visions program.

These conferences and regional discussions have served as an important forum for collaboration and information sharing in the past. A bi-annual conference will be held next year on 2 and 3 April, with forums for local conversations to be held in each region in alternate years.

I look forward to many more opportunities for consultation
and cooperation.

Hon Lindy Nelson-Carr MP
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth