Thursday 19 March 2026

Shadow Minister for Seniors and Disability Services; Member for Algester, the Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP; Member for Lytton, Ms Joan Pease MP; Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland Chair, Mr David Fuller and CEO, Ms Sarah Bone; Queensland Disability Network CEO, Ms Michelle Moss; Lived Experience staff member within the Queensland All Abilities Network, Ms Niky Carrigan; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I am delighted to welcome you here to Government House to share this morning tea ahead of World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday 21 March.

Today we recognise the significant advancements already achieved for people with Down Syndrome and intellectual disability and echo the call of the United Nations 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability: to move from goodwill to action.

As the peak body for people with intellectual disability in our state, Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland leads the way in helping to:

• foster genuine connections and build interpersonal skills that support friendships,
• inspire clubs, schools, and employers to be open to diversity, and
• grow opportunities for social fulfillment for those with disability.

I particularly acknowledge the many supporters here today and I celebrate the young people whose achievements reflect not only their own efforts, but also the love and support of their families and communities.

While so much has already been achieved in Queensland, plentiful challenges remain, and this year’s World Down Syndrome Day theme encourages us to address a deeply human need and stand Together against Loneliness.
Despite our widespread sense of increased human connectedness through technology and social media, loneliness is strongly felt by many in our society, with Australian research telling us young people with intellectual disability are particularly vulnerable.

Feelings of loneliness can deeply affect our health and our wellbeing.

This is where the power of belonging can be so lifechanging. When we feel accepted, valued and included, it builds confidence, strengthens wellbeing, and opens the door to learning, friendships and independence – and often with plenty of fun and laughter along the way.

Families, schools, community groups such as PCYC and businesses all over Queensland enjoy the fun-filled Rock your Socks celebrations every year, bringing the science of Trisomy 21 together with human kindness, laughter and creative play. This is such a wonderful way to build relationships relevant to all age groups.

Another powerful example of how creative expression brings joy and fulfilment can be found here in Queensland, through organisations such as the Blue Roo Theatre Company. Supported by Arts Queensland, Blue Roo’s work continues the legacy of the World Down Syndrome Congress held in Brisbane in 2024 by empowering young people with disability through the arts.

Supporting human connection in practical terms requires all of us to open our hearts to the diverse ways in which relationships and contributions to society can be achieved by breaking down barriers to inclusivity so that people with disability can thrive. 

I commend Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland, your members, staff and supporters, on standing Together Against Loneliness, this World Down Syndrome Day, and every day.

Thank you.