People with disability will better access disability advocacy support services under a $5.9 million funding boost from the Palaszczuk Government.
Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford today announced funding for eleven organisations - with a priority on tailored support for children, First Nations peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Mr Crawford made the announcement at the launch of Queensland Disability Advocacy Network and Pathways Service in Brisbane today (1 April).
"Every single day, Queenslanders with disability, their family members and their carers are reaching out to advocacy services,'' Mr Crawford said.
"They seek support to help them to speak out, understand their rights, and overcome barriers."
He said Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI) had been selected as the inaugural Principal Advocate.
"QAI will operate a central hub, called Pathways, to assess need, maintain a consistently high level of advocacy practice across the state, and identify and escalate any systemic issues,'' the Minister said.
"They will link people to either a regional advocacy service or one of our specialist services for children, First Nations peoples or people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
"By aligning data on individual advocacy, we are able to generate compelling evidence of the broader experiences of people with disability, which is a powerful tool for achieving positive change."
Queenslanders with disability, their family, friends and carers can connect by calling the QAI Pathways service on 1800 130 582.
There is also a dedicated website for people to access advocacy information and support, please visit www.disabilitypathways.org.au.
