Welcome new PRG: First meeting a success

August 18, 2025
Seven people in a group smiling. Two women are seated at the front. Five men stand at the back. Behind them, a woman’s face is also visible on a large screen. To the left of the group is a navy, orange, pink and white banner that reads “NIISQ Participant reference group”.

The new Participant Reference Group (PRG) for 2025-2027 kicked off its first meeting on 15 August 2025, highlighting the National Injury Insurance Agency, Queensland’s (NIISQ Agency’s) strong commitment to teaming up with participants and shaping projects together.

The PRG plays an important role in embedding participants’ voices into our work, ensuring their perspectives and experiences shape NIISQ’s initiatives and outcomes.

The 2025-2027 group includes Befikadu Wubishet, Dave Bowes, Paula Fraser, Kim Swindley, Mitchell Opperman, Travis de Jong-Knox, Jan Higgins, Jason Driscoll, John James Hitchens, and Harold ‘Les’ Harding. This diverse group brings incredible experience and fresh perspectives to the table.

This first meeting’s agenda was packed with engaging discussions, collaborative sessions, and valuable feedback from members.

Meeting key highlights

  1. Attendant care and support plan uplift
    The first session focused on improving the attendant care and support plan. The group worked in smaller teams to provide detailed feedback before reconvening to share insights. This topic remains a priority for the PRG, with members offering suggestions to help participants receiving care.

  2. Development of NIISQ provider guidelines
    Members were introduced to an early draft of our NIISQ Provider Guidelines project. These guidelines aim to clarify the roles and responsibilities of providers while also explaining our processes.

  3. Research and education program
    Updates were shared on NIISQ’s research and education initiatives, and their aims to deliver benefits to participants and the Scheme. PRG members expressed enthusiasm for staying involved in these important efforts.

  4. NIISQ website uplift
    We were excited to hear from the group on ways we can improve the NIISQ website. Feedback was sought on current website usage, participants’ information preferences, accessibility needs, and their suggested improvements.

  5. My care and support request form
    The day wrapped up with a review of a new support request form that will be rolled out to participants across NIISQ. The form is nearing its final stages, and the PRG’s feedback during its creation has been instrumental in refining it before launch.

The meeting wrapped up on a positive note, with members sharing their gratitude for the collaborative and productive discussions. The PRG’s input will play a key role in shaping NIISQ Agency’s work, helping the Scheme grow and adapt to better support participants.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of these initiatives and the valuable work of the PRG in future meetings.

Last updated: August 2025