Quadriplegic Gold Coast spinal doctor is Queensland’s Australian of the Year

“Dr Dinesh Palipana knows no barriers,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Tuesday night.

“He is a truly inspiring person and a much-deserved recipient of the Queensland Australian of the Year Award.”

Dr Palipana is the first quadriplegic medical graduate and medical intern in Queensland.

“As co-founder of Doctors with Disabilities Australia, he helped create national policies for inclusivity in medical education and employment,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“He speaks, writes and advocates for the equitable treatment of people with a disability and has contributed significantly to the advancement of treating spinal cord injuries and restoring functions for people with paralysis.”

Dr Palipana was seriously injured in a car crash on Brisbane’s Gateway Bridge in…