Funding Boost for Disability Groups

The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening its commitment to systemic disability advocacy with an additional $3.37 million investment in grants for Disability Representative Organisations (DROs).

This funding builds on the Government's investment of more than $10.6 million in the DRO program announced in May 2024.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the funding boost is in response to the increased demand on the DROs for their input into key reforms, particularly the recommendations emerging from the Disability Royal Commission and Independent Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

"Since coming to government we have doubled funding to Disability Representative Organisations because we understand the vital role they play in representing the voice of people with disability to Government," Minister Rishworth said.

"We want to make sure the perspectives and lived experiences of people with disability lie at the heart of all government policies and programs. By funding a broad spectrum of organisations we are giving voice to a more diverse range of people with disabilities in terms of demographics and intersectionality."

"Increasing funding for the DRO program is a clear demonstration of how the Albanese Government is committed to our responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten said disability organisations play an important role in making sure people with disability can communicate their views with the Government.

"We've awarded funding to these organisations so they can help people with disability and their supporters learn about and confidently advocate for their rights," Minister Shorten said.

"The Independent Review of the NDIS made recommendations regarding support for people with disability to access the information they need to engage with local mainstream, foundational, and NDIS supports".

The DRO program aligns with Article 4(3), highlighting the importance of involving people with disability, through their representative organisations, in development and implementation of legislation and policies.

All 11 DROs that received funding under the grants announced in May 2024, and Disability advocacy Network Australia will receive additional funding.

• People with Disability Australia
• First Peoples Disability Network
• National Ethnic Disability Alliance
• Women with Disabilities Australia
• Children and Young People with Disability Australia
• Inclusion Australia
• Australia Federation of Disability Organisations Consortium
• Down Syndrome Australia
• Physical Disability Australia
• Community Mental Health Australia
• Autism Alliance National
• Disability Advocacy Network Australia

The organisations will receive funding from 1 July 2024 and the grants will be delivered over the next two years.