Report reveals how life has changed for Queenslanders with disability

A new report has revealed the changing realities for Queenslanders with disability, with some improvements in support and disaster planning, but growing concerns around housing affordability, employment, and education.

The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2025, led by Griffith University in partnership with Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) and commissioned by the Queensland Government, is the only census-style survey in Australia that tracks the day-to-day experiences of people with disability, their families, and carers. More than 700 people contributed to this year’s findings, adding to over 1,700 voices across the past three years.

Progress and setbacks

The report shows clear progress in some areas:

• Almost half (48.9%) of respondents said they had all the paid support they needed, up from just 32.6% in 2024.
• Access to GPs improved, with 83.4% able to see a good primary care doctor compared to 77% in 2023.
• Disaster preparedness jumped, with 80.2% of people now having a plan to stay safe during emergencies, up from 64% last year.

But there were also concerning declines:

• Employment fell sharply, with just 43.2% of respondents in work compared to 56% in 2023. Of those, only one-third felt they had a “good job.”
• Financial strain persisted, with nearly half reporting they didn’t have enough money to live well, especially those in rural areas, First Nations people, and LGBTQIA+ participants.
• Education access dropped, with only 52.6% saying they could do courses or training if they wanted, down from 68% in 2023.
  

Homes and communities

While 71.1% of participants lived in a home that met their needs, almost one-third said their housing was unsuitable. Rising rents and lack of accessible options left many anxious about the future. As one participant put it, “Homes are becoming a luxury rather than a human right, with people having to leave their communities because they can’t afford to live there anymore”.

Looking ahead

Lead author Dr Kelsey Chapman said transparency is vital in shaping responsive systems. “The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a meaningful legacy of inclusion, and through co-design with people with lived experience, we can address complex challenges and build respectful and effective systems,” she said.

The report highlights the resilience of the disability community while pointing to the urgent need for systemic change in employment, housing, and education.

The Voice of Queenslanders with Disability Report 2025 is available to read in full via Queenslanders with Disability Network.