Our policies

Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI) is committed to being an actively anti-racist organisation and to fighting racism in the world around us.

We recognise that First Nations peoples continue to experience the ongoing impacts of colonisation, dispossession, exclusion and systemic racism. We also recognise that First Nations people with disability often experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, creating additional barriers to justice, education, health care, housing, employment and community participation.

Our commitment to anti-racism is grounded in our belief that all people have the right to dignity, self-determination, belonging and inclusion. We acknowledge the strength, knowledge and leadership of First Nations communities and the unique experiences, perspectives and contributions of First Nations people with disability.

QAI recognises the shared history of institutionalisation, segregation and the denial of human rights experienced by both First Nations peoples and people with disability. While these experiences occurred in different ways and for different reasons, they were driven by many of the same systems of control, exclusion and paternalism. Understanding this common history strengthens our commitment to work in solidarity with First Nations communities to challenge discrimination, uphold self-determination and create lasting change.

Our commitment to anti-racism means concrete actions for our staff, members, volunteers and clients.

We will:

• Foster a culturally safe, respectful and inclusive workplace where First Nations staff, members and volunteers feel valued, heard and supported to belong.
• Recruit, support, retain and develop First Nations staff, students, volunteers, members and emerging leaders, with particular attention to First Nations people with disability.
• Embed cultural safety, anti-racism, disability rights, self-determination and cultural learning into our induction, professional development, policies and everyday practice.
• Promote positive race relations and ensure people can safely raise concerns about racism, discrimination or cultural exclusion.
• Ensure our services, communications, events and meetings are culturally safe, accessible and respectful of First Nations protocols and perspectives.
• Build genuine, respectful and ongoing relationships with First Nations people, communities, community-controlled organisations and sector partners.
• Strengthen referral pathways and partnerships so First Nations people with disability can access the supports and advocacy they need.

We are also committed to ensuring that First Nations people with disability help shape QAI’s advocacy, policy positions, submissions, public messaging and organisational priorities when issues affect them. We will listen to, elevate and act on the voices of people with lived experience and be accountable for how their perspectives influence our work.

Beyond our organisation, QAI is committed to using its voice to challenge systemic racism and discrimination. Through strategic advocacy, systemic advocacy and law reform, we will work to change the laws, policies and practices that perpetuate barriers to inclusion. We will advocate for systems that uphold the human rights, dignity and self-determination of First Nations people with disability, and disabled people of all races and ethnicities.

We recognise that anti-racism requires more than good intentions. It requires action, accountability and continuous learning. We will monitor our progress, reflect on what we can do better, and remain accountable to the communities we serve.

Anti-racism is fundamental to QAI’s commitment to human rights, inclusion and justice. We stand alongside First Nations people with disability in pursuing a future free from racism, exclusion and institutionalisation, and where people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to exercise human rights and self-determination.