Applications open for five disability advocacy regions
Disability Advocacy organisations in five Australian regions will be funded to better represent the rights of Australians with disability.
, Bill Shorten, today encouraged service providers to apply for funding to deliver vital advocacy services across five regions through the National Disability Advocacy Program.
The areas identified are:
- Western Australia: Broome and Derby-West Kimberley Shires
- Western Australia: Wanneroo, Joondalup and Stirling City Council areas
- Northern Territory: East Arnhem Shire
- New South Wales: Botany, Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra, Rockdale, Hurstville, Kogarah and Canterbury
- Queensland: Sunshine Coast Regional Council area
“The Rudd Government acknowledges there is a need to enhance disability advocacy coverage around the country,” Mr Shorten said.
“Under the NDAP, funding up to $1.5 million per year is available to expand the delivery of individual advocacy across regional areas to improve service coverage.
“This program provides valuable funding to organisations which help fight for better access for people with disabilities, and against discriminatory attitudes, abuse and neglect.
“This funding is vital to ensure that people with disability have access to the facilities and programs that they need.”
On April 1, 2009, additional funding was announced to agencies in 12 new regions.
“With this announcement we are looking to further expand advocacy services to ensure people with disability have people working to protect their rights,” Mr Shorten said.
“There are many barriers placed in the way of people with disability who want to participate in society,” Ms Macklin said.
“The NDAP enables people with disabilities to participate actively in the community, by promoting independence, self-reliance and maintaining their rights as citizens through appropriate advocacy services.”
Applications close 2pm AEST, Thursday 28 May 2009.