Page 819 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 March 2019
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individual planning are certainly evidence here. The ACT government has recognised that, while the NDIS has provided greater support for many Canberrans with disability, it has also increased the need for independent, individual advocacy as Canberrans learn to negotiate the new service system.
The ACT government is still very aware of the need for independent advocacy to assist people with disability with complex, specialised and often serious issues. This can include supporting people with disability to understand their rights and responsibilities, resolving issues about government supports and accessing housing and education.
Advocacy organisations can also help people understand the NDIS and what it has to offer. They can also participate in meetings with the NDIA and help participants who are not happy with the support they are receiving through the NDIS. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can access services from the ACT-based advocacy organisations, Advocacy for Inclusion and ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service, better known as ADACAS.
The ACT government’s recognition of the importance of individual advocacy was demonstrated by the investment of $400,000 over two years in the 2018-19 budget. This is shared between these two local organisations who both have deep connections to our community. Additionally, the ACT government established the integrated response program which provides short-term coordination and emergency funding for people with disability who otherwise would meet the disability access requirements of the NDIS but do not meet the residency requirements or are in crisis. This includes people who may be humanitarian visa holders and have limited financial means to purchase supports. This is part of our commitment to being a refugee welcome community.
Members would be aware that the commonwealth government is also responsible for funding advocacy services through the national disability advocacy program. I note, as Ms Lee has mentioned, that the federal Liberal government, on the eve of an election and after significant advocacy by states and territories, has belatedly increased funding for the national disability advocacy program and the NDIS appeals providers. I hope that some of this money will flow to the ACT and I will again be advocating for this to my commonwealth counterparts.
The ACT Human Rights Commission also has a role in resolving complaints and promoting rights of people with disability. The role of the Disability and Community Services Commissioner, Ms Karen Toohey, is to consider complaints about the provision of services for people with disability and/or their carers. The commissioner’s role is also to promote improvements in the provision of services for people with disability and their carers, the rights of users of services for people with disability and their carers and an awareness of the rights and responsibilities of users and providers of disability services.
Sitting within the Human Rights Commission is the Public Advocate, who protects and promotes the rights and interests of anyone in the ACT who is experiencing vulnerability. The Public Advocate can monitor the provision of services, provide
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