- Extensive consultation and research undertaken with stakeholders
- Registration of interest process to be advertised on Tenders WA
The McGowan Government has today announced $1.2 million of funding for systemic advocacy over the next two years to bring about long-term change that will safeguard the rights of people with disability during this period of transition to full-scheme National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Department of Communities has undertaken extensive research and consultation with stakeholders in the sector to develop an effective systemic disability advocacy approach for Western Australia.
The consultation noted multifaceted and complex issues facing people with disability and their families including transition to the NDIS, housing, health, mental health, employment, cost of living and accessibility, as well as issues specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultural and linguistic diversity.
Gaps were identified in a number of areas related to advocacy including core funding for independent systemic advocacy, enablers to help stakeholders work together effectively, and a strong link to individual advocacy.
In addition to direct benefits for people with disability, advocacy aids government by contributing to the early identification of systemic issues that impact negatively on the outcomes and efficiency of publicly funded services.
Funding will be made available following a registration of interest process to identify suitably qualified and experienced organisations that wish to provide systemic disability advocacy services.
As noted by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"In funding this initiative, the McGowan Government is seeking to bring about positive change in the sector and ensure the rights of people with disability are attained and upheld, particularly during transition to the NDIS.
"The NDIS is the most significant social reform of our time and we need to ensure that it works for Western Australians.
"There are, however, a range of other factors aside from the NDIS impacting on the lives of people with disability and their families, and well-resourced systemic advocacy can contribute to early identification of these issues and good public policy."
