Media Release

Over $1 million funding boost to assist people with disability to speak out

20/08/2008

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, today announced a $1.1 million boost for organisations representing people with disability across Australia.

The Australian Government has committed $620,000 to disability advocacy agencies, and over $527,000 to disability peak bodies, to help them strengthen the voice of people with disability.

Nine of the peak bodies have received $270,000 to invest in staff training, IT upgrades and/or research, and an extra $257,000 for services, such as interpreters, hearing loops, Braille material, attendant carers and venue hire.

"Advocacy agencies play a vital role in giving a voice to people with disability and ensuring their rights are protected. This funding will help build their capacity and improve advocacy support to people with disability," Mr Shorten said.

62 disability advocacy agencies also received one-off funding of $10,000 under the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) to buy goods and services such as IT and communication equipment or staff and management training.

"The NDAP assists people with disability overcome barriers such as physical access, abuse, discriminatory attitudes and neglect which have such a negative impact on their daily lives and their ability to participate in the community," Mr Shorten said.

"The grants come on top of more than $12 million that the Australian Government has committed to the NDAP over the next financial year.

"This funding will go some way to help these groups and advocates of people with disability continue reflecting the views of Australians with disability.

"The Australian Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for people with disability, and this funding will help safeguard their rights and interests."