People with disability will be better supported to access services and support under the NSW Government’s new Disability Advocacy Futures Program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said organisations can now apply for contracts under the program, which fulfils the intent of NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald’s report into the sector.
“Advocacy empowers people to overcome barriers that affect their ability to participate in our community,” Mr Henskens said.
“The Commissioner’s report provided a blueprint for a contemporary and sustainable advocacy system and now organisations have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter.
“I look forward to seeing the innovation, collaboration and new ways of delivering support that this commissioning process will deliver.”
More than $13 million under the Disability Advocacy Futures Program will be allocated to organisations across individual, systemic and representative advocacy types.
It will support the more than 1.4 million people with disability in NSW, not just those accessing services and supports under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NSW Government is investing $3.6 billion in the NDIS in 2021-22.
“Our investment in disability advocacy and workforce development programs like More Jobs More Care are examples of NSW going above and beyond our multi-billion NDIS investment,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’re working to create a more inclusive and accessible NSW that supports all people with disability to reach their full potential and these investments are testament to that.”
