Disability organisations are calling for urgent funding lifeline to address rising demand for advocacy
This week, a group of 52 disability advocacy organisations issued a joint call on governments to increase funding for advocacy to sustain their crucial services amid growing demand for support by people with disability, with waitlists increasing, most losing staff and closing services.
TASC National an independent advocacy organisation providing advocacy for more than 400 people with disability in the region, says insufficient funding has forced them to reduce staff numbers which will impact their ability to meet increasing demand across the region and push out wait times, causing additional stress on people with needing help.
They have joined the 52 organisations endorsing the joint statement, indicating that without immediate government action, they will continue losing staff and turning away increasing numbers of people with disability in crisis.
TASC CEO, Frances Klaassen OAM, said that despite clear acknowledgement by the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) and the NDIS Review on the importance of advocacy services, they are one of many in the disability advocacy sector struggling with lack of resources and funding.
“We have had to make some very difficult decisions in terms of staff numbers at TASC, which given the steady rise we see in demand each year will cause longer delays for people needing help.”
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), the national peak body for disability advocacy services, has warned that the continued lack of additional investment by governments in the advocacy sector will have severe implications for people with disability around the country.
“Our member organisations play an essential role in ensuring that marginalised people with disability can get help when they are being hurt, neglected, discriminated against and excluded by services, supports and people in the community,” said Jeff Smith, DANA CEO.
Mr Smith said the need for trusted, independent advocacy will become even more critical when changes from the DRC and NDIS Review begin to take effect.
“The same organisations that people with disability rely on for navigating new reforms, are experiencing a severe crisis themselves.”
“Both the DRC and NDIS Review highlighted the vital role of independent disability advocacy in their final reports, and the need to increase funding to meet demand. Yet our organisation is struggling to keep our doors open,” said Mr Smith.
An urgent funding lifeline is needed now to sustain organisations during this period of transition up to July 2025.
Disability advocacy organisations urgently need:
- An additional $29 million for National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) organisations to meet existing advocacy demand until mid-2025.
- $13 million for a dedicated funding boost for advocacy providers operating in rural, remote, and very remote areas to meet the immediate need.
- $5.225 million for training in Disaster Management, First Nations cultural safety training, resources and pilots, and Supported Decision Making awareness.
- $17 million to be allocated to State and Territory disability advocacy programs to sustain organisations currently outside of the Federally funded NDAP.
Media Contact: Liam Anderson
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