Western Australia Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson

First Round Of $1.2 Million Disability Advocacy Funding Delivered

Victor P Taffa

• $1.2 Million to deliver positive change for people with disability
• Extensive consultation and research undertaken with stakeholders

6 Western Australian advocacy agencies will share $1.2 Million in State Government funding for projects designed to drive long-term change for people with disability and improve the quality of their lives.

“McGowan Government has prioritised this funding to improve quality of life for people with disability during this important period of transition.” Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson said.

“Advocacy provides direct benefits for people with disability, and aids the Government in the early identification of systemic issues that negatively impact on the outcomes and efficiency of publicly funded services.”

McGowan Government announced funding for systemic disability advocacy earlier this year after a period of consultation and research undertaken with stakeholders.

A wide variety of applications for first round funding were received, demonstrating a clear need for systemic advocacy services in Western Australia.

Successful tenderers for funding are:

• People With Disabilities WA,
• Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre,
• Carers Association of WA,
• Consumers of Mental Health WA,
• Development Disability Council of WA,
• Autism Association of Western Australia.

Funded projects will address systemic barriers to improved life outcomes and access for a range of people with disability across the State.

Department of Communities engaged extensively with the sector to develop an effective systemic disability advocacy approach for Western Australia.

Consultation with the sector noted multifaceted and complex issues in a range of areas, including transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), housing, health, mental health, employment, finance and accessibility, as well as issues specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultural and linguistic diversity.

Advocacy is a key element of the National Disability Strategy (NDS) 2010-2020.

 

Abbreviations:

WA                 Western Australia