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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
MR LAWLOR MP, asked the Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors (MR PITT) -
QUESTION:
With reference to page 2-4 of the Ministerial Portfolio Statements that states Disability Services Queensland works in partnership with a number of agencies including the Disability Council of Queensland - How is this partnership to be improved through the new council structure and what is intended to be achieved through the new disability conference recently announced?
ANSWER:
The Government approved a new model for Disability Advisory Bodies in Queensland on 12 July 2004. I am pleased to have the opportunity to detail the significant opportunities this new model provides to regional communities. The new model delivers dynamic and improved linkages with regional Queensland on disability issues.
The Chairs of Regional Disability Councils will come together to form the membership of the Disability Council of Queensland. The Disability Council of Queensland is a principal source of community advice to me, as Minister for Disability Services. However, under the previous model, there was not a strong link to the regions. Regional representation on the Disability Council of Queensland significantly enhances the capacity of rural and regional communities to raise disability issues with me, to influence the statewide agenda for disability services, and to enhance the responsiveness of Government to disability issues.
Under the new model, the number of Regional Disability Councils will increase from nine to ten. Membership of the Regional Disability Councils will ensure improved links between people with a disability, their families, carers and service providers and government locally. Members of Parliament and Senior Officers of Disability Services Queensland will work with Regional Disability Councils to develop practical, local solutions.
The new Councils will have an increased role in engaging with their local communities on disability issues. Regional Councils will undertake community consultation on major disability sector initiatives and provide open and independent feedback to me on the views and opinions of Queensland communities. Councils will assist in developing approaches to community engagement and consultation that are specifically designed to meet local needs.
Regional Disability Councils will be supported in their new role, by the Department of Communities and Disability Services Queensland. Previously, Regional Disability Council membership was voluntary and unpaid. Under this new approach, Regional Disability Council Chairs and Members will be appropriately remunerated in recognition of the important role of the Councils, and in line with increased expectations of their activities. These arrangements will ensure that the new Regional Disability Councils will have the capacity and expertise to promote disability awareness, and increased participation of people with a disability in their local communities.
The Queensland Disability Conference will be held in July 2005 and will provide a forum that aims to meet the diverse needs of the disability sector in networking, information sharing and learning. It will bring together stakeholders from all aspects of the disability sector including people with a disability, family members, carers, service providers, advocacy and interest groups and other community members.
The Conference will provide an opportunity to develop a shared understanding of the future direction of disability services and disability issues in Queensland. Participants in this Conference will be able to hear guest speakers discuss the latest developments in key aspects of the disability field and be appraised of current research and innovations. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:00 AM
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