NSW Government urged to reverse disability funding cuts

Mon, 3 December 2018

People with disability are urging the NSW Government to mark the 2018 International Day of People with Disability (Monday 3 December) by committing to reversing its decision to cut funding for disability advocacy services.

Serena Ovens, CEO of the Physical Disability Council and spokesperson for the National Disability Advocacy Alliance – an alliance of 22 disability organisations - said that unless the NSW Government commits to long-term funding for disability advocacy, representation and information services, millions of NSW residents will be robbed of the vital services which support people with disability to speak up for ourselves and each other.

“What better time for the NSW Premier to commit to providing people with a disability with the advocacy services we need, than on International Day of People with a Disability?” Ms Ovens said.

“The NSW Government’s announcement that it will be ceasing funding for disability advocacy services from 2020 has horrified the disability community, and the NSW community at large. If the funding is cut, the millions of NSW residents with a disability will be left with nowhere to turn for vital disability advocacy services. 

“People with disability rely on disability advocacy services to make sure they’re getting a fair deal - whether it’s advocating for improved access on public transport, protecting workplace rights, or dealing with horrific cases of abuse, exploitation or discrimination.

“Advocacy organisations are also the go-to for people with disability who are trying to negotiate the new NDIS system. It’s never been more important to have organisations where people with disability can help each other navigate the system.

“All we’re asking is that the NSW Government commits to ongoing funding for disability advocacy so we can all get back to doing what we do best – ensuring people with disability are supported to speak up for ourselves and each other.”