We made a submission to the Commonwealth Government ahead of the federal budget for the 2026-2027 financial year. While they are still working on the budget before announcing it in May, we urged them to invest more in disability advocacy and supports for people with disability across the country.
Our recommendations were:
The Commonwealth Government must urgently invest in Disability Advocacy as below:
- QAI is seeking a $4 million investment to support Queenslanders with disability to access individual disability advocacy regardless of their location or disability. This includes targeted support for First Nations people, children and young people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people experiencing domestic and family violence and LGBTIQ+SB people.
- Immediately increase funding for the NDIS Appeals Advocacy Program by 20% to ensure people with disability across Australia can access equitable representation and support through the Administrative Review Tribunal (Tribunal) processes. In addition, provide $100,000 to support a national community of practice for NDIS Appeals Advocates.
- Invest $2.9 million over 2 years to fund the establishment phase of a National Disability Rights Community Legal Centre. Followed by ongoing operational support to enable national impact.
To improve the lives of people with disability and our greater communities, the Government must also invest in:
- Disaster preparedness and resilience: ensure 20% of all disaster preparedness funding is dedicated to people with disability.
- Foundational Supports: commit national funding to the implementation and establishment of foundational supports, particularly for people with psychosocial disability support needs and people with chronic health and mobility conditions.
- An inclusive national response for people experiencing domestic and family violence, in response to DRC Recommendation 8.23.2
- Supporting an Australian Human Rights Act.
Read our submission here: