Federal and State and Territory Governments provide funding for independent advocacy support to be made available to people with disability to promote and protect their human rights and interests and to support their full participation in the community.22 There is insufficient government funding to respond to the high levels of need for advocacy support so that the advocacy support available across the country is patchy and seriously rationed.23
Advocacy programs are currently funded and administered by government agencies that also develop disability policy and fund and administer disability services. This puts advocacy agencies at risk of defunding or other negative action when they criticise government policy or government funded services. Some service providers are also funded to provide advocacy support, which creates a conflict of interest for advocates in advocating against service activities.
