The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorians with disability have choice, control and support to speak up and assert their rights.
Minister for Housing Disability and Ageing Martin Foley today announced $6 million for advocacy funding, to help Victorians with disability and their families access timely and targeted advocacy support when they need it.
The funding will allow disability advocacy organisations to help an extra 300 people a year – with a particular focus on those who need additional support or have complex needs.
This may include people with an acquired brain injury, women with disability, LGBTI community members, people in regional areas, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The Labor Government is developing Victorian Disability Advocacy Futures Plan 2018-2020 to guide longer-term action and investment in this area and ensure people with disability continue to have a voice.
To ensure the Plan directly targets the specific and diverse needs of people with disability, a discussion paper has been released, with members of the community and disability sector encouraged to provide feedback.
This new investment builds on funding provided to two regional advocacy organisations to support Aboriginal people with disability.
Rights Information and Advocacy Centre received $140,000, and Grampians Disability Advocacy Association will receive $60,000 to work in partnership with local Aboriginal groups to have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them and to engage with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Further information about disability advocacy is available at .
To access the discussion paper for the Victorian disability advocacy futures plan 2018-2020 visit statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au/advocacy-futures.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“Advocacy is critical to upholding the rights of people with disability and their families.”
“We’re extending the reach of disability advocacy organisations to better support people entering the NDIS, and to provide a voice to people who may not otherwise be heard.”
“This is just another example of how Victoria is leading the way in supporting people with disability as we navigate the transition to the NDIS.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020