People with disability will continue to benefit from a strong voice to represent them to the Australian Government under a two-year extension to the Disability Representative Organisations (DRO) Program.
The $12 million investment will ensure existing grant agreements under the initiative continue until 30 June 2028.
Organisations funded by the DRO Program engage with Government so that the voices and lived experiences of people with disability are represented in the design and implementation of disability reforms. They also play an important role in sharing accurate information out to their constituents.
Disability Representative Organisations support better services for people with disability by identifying emerging issues, contributing to disability policies and programs, and providing independent advice to Government on issues such as accessibility, inclusion and employment.
12 organisations are funded by the program, including:
- People with Disability Australia
- First Peoples Disability Network Australia
- National Ethnic Disability Alliance
- Women with Disabilities Australia
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia
- Inclusion Australia
- Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
- Down Syndrome Australia
- Physical Disability Australia
- Autism Alliance National
- National Mental Health Consumer Alliance
- Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
The extension will ensure ongoing, high quality advocacy by disability representative organisations during the reform process, so that the Government continues to benefit from their advice and expertise.
The organisations represent different groups of people with disability including children and young people, First Nations people, women, and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
Quotes attributable to NDIS Minister, Senator Jenny McAllister:
"The Albanese Government is committed to delivering a better ecosystem of services and supports for all people with disability across Australia.
"Extending this program ensures the disability community will continue to be represented by organisations that understand their experiences and perspectives, and that they can trust.
"It will ensure continuity while we progress important reforms to how people with disability are supported across Australia."
