This critical investment into the NSW disability sector will support 20 not-for-profit non-government organisations deliver individual, systemic, and representative advocacy to all people with disability in NSW, regardless of whether or not they are an National Disability Insurance Scheme participant.
The Disability Advocacy Futures Program also funds the NSW Disability Advocacy Network, which coordinates and supports funded providers, drives advice to the NSW Government, and builds innovation and learning across the disability sector.
This investment will also complement the rollout of the new Thriving Kids program, with general supports including disability-specific parenting programs and supported playgroups due to commence from October this year.
Secure government funding provides community organisations with certainty, allowing them to retain experienced staff and enhance and expand services with confidence. The length of the new DAFP contracts will more than double to five years, from the previous two year contracts. This is in line with the Minns Labor Government’s nation-leading Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty agreement.
As part of this $75 million program, the Minns Labor Government is investing nearly $2 million in Side By Side Advocacy to provide specialist advocacy support for people with intellectual disability. Thanks to this funding, the Parramatta-based organisation will now be able to expand its services statewide.
The full list of the funded disability advocacy services is available on the Department of Communities and Justice website.
Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said: “The Minns Labor Government is investing $75 million in disability advocacy services because they are critical to building a stronger and fairer community.
“I’m grateful to the disability advocacy organisations for the support, advice and information they deliver to people of disability, whilst ensuring their voices are heard by government. Working together, we’re determined to build a more inclusive and accessible NSW.”
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said: “The Minns Labor Government is securing the future for community services in NSW, including disability supports like Side by Side Advocacy in Parramatta.
“Side by Side Advocacy does amazing work supporting people with intellectual disability in our community. This investment means Side by Side can grow and provide greater supports across NSW for people with disability.”
Physical Disability Council of NSW CEO and NSW Disability Advocacy Network Chair, Edward Morris said: “Strong independent advocacy is essential to making an inclusive society a reality, particularly at a time when people are navigating a complex and changing disability support system.
“We welcome this significant long-term investment in disability advocacy services in NSW. This commitment supports the rights, inclusion and independence of people with disability across NSW.”
Side by Side Advocacy Executive Officer, Kim Roots said: “Receiving NSW Government Disability Advocacy Futures Program funding for the first time marks an exciting new chapter for Side By Side Advocacy and recognises more than 30 years of specialist expertise in supporting people with intellectual disability to participate in civic life and influence the decisions that affect them.
“This investment will enable us to engage more people across NSW, including people who face barriers to participation, and bring a broader range of lived experience and community perspectives into public decision-making. This will ensure more people with intellectual disability have the opportunity to contribute.”
