Media Release by The Hon Bill Shorten MP

$500,000 to expand advocacy for people with disability

The Australian Government is providing the Kingston, Greater Dandenong and Casey Local Government Areas with up to $100,000 for individual advocacy support for people with disability., Bill Shorten, announced $500,000 to expand individual advocacy support for people with disability across five metropolitan areas across Australia.

Mr Shorten said the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) funding will strengthen the voice of people with disability in the areas and improve service coverage.

“There is a real need to enhance advocacy coverage around Australia and the Government is taking action to ensure advocacy remains an effective safeguard for people with disability,” Mr Shorten said.

“Advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring the rights and interests of people with disability are respected and realised.

“Service will assist people with disability to overcome barriers that impact on their daily life and their ability to participate in the community, such as physical access, discriminatory attitudes, abuse and neglect.

“Five metropolitan areas across the country will receive funding; a decision based on population and level of service coverage,” Mr Shorten said.

The regions are:

  • The Kingston, Greater Dandenong and Casey Local Government Areas, Victoria
  • Queanbeyan Local Government Area, NSW
  • Sutherland Local Government Area, NSW
  • Logan Local Government Area, Qld
  • Wanneroo, Joondalup and Stirling Local Government Areas, WA

“This is part of $12.2 million committed over four years to fund improvements to the NDAP and deliver additional support to people with disability most in need,” Mr Shorten said.

“Existing NDAP-funded agencies will be invited to apply for new funding to provide advocacy in these metropolitan areas in 2008-09.

“Funded agencies can partner with other NDAP funded agencies or with state and territory funded disability advocacy agencies.”