Long-term funding announced
PDCN advocated for secure, long-term funding through our leadership of the NSW Disability Advocacy Network (NDAN), bringing together 20 organisations to provide consensus advice to the NSW Government on the need for sustainable investment in independent disability advocacy.
The NSW Government has committed more than $75 million in five-year funding contracts to 20 representative disability organisations, including PDCN, which represents the longest-term commitment to disability advocacy funding in NSW. This provides greater certainty for the sector to advocate for people with disability and drive systemic reform at a critical time, as major changes to disability supports unfold and further action is needed to improve accessibility across healthcare, housing, employment and transport.
Physical Disability Council of NSW CEO and NSW Disability Advocacy Network Chair, Edward Morris said, ‘We welcome this significant long-term investment in disability advocacy services in NSW. This commitment supports the rights, inclusion and independence of people with disability across NSW.’
Five years to build on advocacy gains
PDCN’s systemic advocacy has helped deliver significant reforms over the past four years including: securing the NSW Government’s commitment to its first Disability Health Strategy and a $30 million investment to improve wheelchair accessible taxi supply; securing the inclusion of Livable Housing Design Standards in the NSW Pattern Book and fast-tracked approvals to increase accessible housing supply; and supporting Ticketek to launch its first accessible ticket booking platform.
Five-year funding will allow PDCN to build on these gains, continuing to provide systemic advocacy for people with physical disabilities in NSW that removes barriers to inclusion and participation and providing ongoing secretariat support to NDAN.
‘Strong, independent advocacy ensures people with disability have a voice, choice and control over the decisions that affect their lives. This is particularly important as people navigate a complex and changing disability support system.’ said Mr Morris.
Media Contact: Kelley Temple, Deputy CEO, 02 7255 8220
