The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission) is happening now and will run until September 2023.
Free, independent and confidential counselling and advocacy support is available for people with disability who have been hurt, taken advantage of or treated badly. Support is also available for anyone who is engaging with or affected by the Disability Royal Commission.
DANA welcomed the recent opportunity to make a submission on the draft for a new National Disability Advocacy Framework 2022-2025. In this submission DANA has identified broadly what we think is needed to strengthen disability advocacy in Australia and ensure it is accessible, responsive and targeted to people with disability at risk of violence, neglect or other harms. These actions need to occur in close consultation with the advocacy sector, with governments listening and responding to input and feedback from advocacy organisations and the people with disability they support.
The Australian Government is encouraging people with disability, their families and carers, disability advocates and other interested stakeholders to share their views on what is important to improve and include in the new National Disability Advocacy Framework 2022-25 (the Framework).
Visit DSS Engage to take part and to find accessible resources to help. The consultation is open until Friday 8 July 2022.
On Thursday 7 April, a media release from Senator Anne Ruston (Minister for Families and Social Services) and Senator Linda Reynolds (Minister for the NDIS) announced “$100 million to uphold the rights of people with disability” in the form of continued funding for the National Disability Advocacy Program. Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) chief executive Mary Mallett welcomed the Government’s continued investment in disability advocacy, including an increase to organisations delivering NDIS Appeals. However, she also questioned whether the additional funding would be sufficient given the rising demand for appeals advocacy.
People with disability, their family, supporters and advocates can share experiences of violence, neglect, abuse or exploitation with the Disability Royal Commission. Here are some useful resources to remind your networks that 2022 is the final year for people to share their stories, and how many small submissions add up to one big story!
International Day of People with Disability is celebrated on December 3 each year. This day aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
Check our our run-down of some of the events happening around Australia and online!
