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Queensland Disability Advisory Council remains vacant nearly a year after its term expired - Brisbane, QLD
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Queensland's peak disability advisory body has been without members for almost a year, prompting concerns from advocates who say the disability community has lost an important voice during major policy reforms.
Queensland's Disability Advisory Council (QDAC) has remained vacant since August 2025, when the previous council's term expired. The advisory body, established under the Disability Services Act 2006, provides independent advice to the Queensland Government on issues affecting people with disability. Despite the council's important role, new members have not yet been formally appointed, leaving the state without its principal disability advisory group for almost twelve months.
The council previously consisted of 14 members, including people with lived experience of disability and representatives from leading advocacy organisations. It met regularly to advise the government on matters such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), disability inclusion policies, and implementation of recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission. The last recorded meeting between the council and Queensland Disability Minister Amanda Camm took place in June 2025.
Disability advocates say the prolonged vacancy comes at a critical time. Australia is undergoing significant reforms to the NDIS, while governments are continuing to respond to recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission. Advocacy groups argue that without an active advisory council, people with disability have fewer opportunities to directly influence government decisions affecting their daily lives.
Jeramy Hope, Chief Executive of the Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance and a member of the New South Wales Disability Council, said advisory groups are essential because they ensure governments hear directly from people with lived experience. He said diverse disability representation leads to better policy outcomes and prevents people with disability from becoming "an afterthought" in decision-making.
Minister Amanda Camm said expressions of interest had been sought from existing members and prospective new members, with appointment screening currently underway. The Queensland Government said a renewed advisory council and updated terms of reference are expected to be announced soon. The minister also said she has continued meeting with disability organisations and stakeholders throughout her time in office.
The opposition has criticised the lengthy delay, arguing it has effectively silenced an important independent voice during a period of major disability reform. Shadow Disability Services Minister Leeanne Enoch said the absence of the council undermines confidence that the government is adequately consulting people with disability on key policy decisions.
Advocates believe restoring the Queensland Disability Advisory Council as soon as possible will help strengthen communication between government and the disability community. They say meaningful consultation is especially important as Queensland responds to national disability reforms, improves accessibility and works toward more inclusive public services.
DisabilityCouncilAdvisoryQueenslandGovernment
Queensland's Disability Advisory Council (QDAC) has remained vacant since August 2025, when the previous council's term expired. The advisory body, established under the Disability Services Act 2006, provides independent advice to the Queensland Government on issues affecting people with disability. Despite the council's important role, new members have not yet been formally appointed, leaving the state without its principal disability advisory group for almost twelve months.
The council previously consisted of 14 members, including people with lived experience of disability and representatives from leading advocacy organisations. It met regularly to advise the government on matters such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), disability inclusion policies, and implementation of recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission. The last recorded meeting between the council and Queensland Disability Minister Amanda Camm took place in June 2025.
Disability advocates say the prolonged vacancy comes at a critical time. Australia is undergoing significant reforms to the NDIS, while governments are continuing to respond to recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission. Advocacy groups argue that without an active advisory council, people with disability have fewer opportunities to directly influence government decisions affecting their daily lives.
Jeramy Hope, Chief Executive of the Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance and a member of the New South Wales Disability Council, said advisory groups are essential because they ensure governments hear directly from people with lived experience. He said diverse disability representation leads to better policy outcomes and prevents people with disability from becoming "an afterthought" in decision-making.
Minister Amanda Camm said expressions of interest had been sought from existing members and prospective new members, with appointment screening currently underway. The Queensland Government said a renewed advisory council and updated terms of reference are expected to be announced soon. The minister also said she has continued meeting with disability organisations and stakeholders throughout her time in office.
The opposition has criticised the lengthy delay, arguing it has effectively silenced an important independent voice during a period of major disability reform. Shadow Disability Services Minister Leeanne Enoch said the absence of the council undermines confidence that the government is adequately consulting people with disability on key policy decisions.
Advocates believe restoring the Queensland Disability Advisory Council as soon as possible will help strengthen communication between government and the disability community. They say meaningful consultation is especially important as Queensland responds to national disability reforms, improves accessibility and works toward more inclusive public services.
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