5 July 2024
PWDA joined a group of 52 disability advocacy organisations in a joint call on governments to increase funding for advocacy to sustain their crucial services amid growing demand for support by people with disability, with waitlists increasing, most losing staff and closing services.
The organisations endorsing the joint statement, indicated that without immediate government action, they will continue losing staff and turning away increasing numbers of people with disability in crisis.
Despite clear acknowledgement by the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) and the NDIS Review on the importance of advocacy services, many in the disability advocacy sector are struggling with lack of resources and funding.
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), the national peak body for disability advocacy services, has warned that the continued lack of additional investment by governments in the advocacy sector will have severe implications for people with disability around the country.
"Our member organisations play an essential role in ensuring that marginalised people with disability can get help when they are being hurt, neglected, discriminated against and excluded by services, supports and people in the community," said Jeff Smith, DANA CEO.
Mr Smith said the need for trusted, independent advocacy will become even more critical when changes from the DRC and NDIS Review begin to take effect.
"The same organisations that people with disability rely on for navigating new reforms, are experiencing a severe crisis themselves."
"Both the DRC and NDIS Review highlighted the vital role of independent disability advocacy in their final reports, and the need to increase funding to meet demand. Yet our organisation is struggling to keep our doors open," said Mr Smith.
An urgent funding lifeline is needed now to sustain organisations during this period of transition up to July 2025.
Disability advocacy organisations urgently need:
- An additional $29 million for National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) organisations to meet existing advocacy demand until mid-2025.
- $13 million for a dedicated funding boost for advocacy providers operating in rural, remote, and very remote areas to meet the immediate need.
- $5.225 million for training in Disaster Management, First Nations cultural safety training, resources and pilots, and Supported Decision Making awareness.
- $17 million to be allocated to State and Territory disability advocacy programs to sustain organisations currently outside of the Federally funded NDAP.
The Federal Government must act now to ensure that people with disability can continue to access the advocacy they need during this time of reform.
