Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd

New Report: 'Guiding the Way – Building Common Principles for Navigators' DANA, in partnership with National Disability Services (NDS), has released a new report to help shape the guiding principles of NDIS Navigators. With significant reforms underway, the Federal Government is considering a new Navigator role to replace Local Area Coordinators and Support Coordinators. These Navigators must be designed to work for all people with disability—whether they are NDIS participants or not. Our report outlines 11 key principles to ensure Navigators are independent, person-centred, and truly connected to communities. These principles are essential to making sure people with disability can access the right services, engage with their communities, and navigate both mainstream and disability supports. Read the full report on our website ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g4HNx7hJ

Federal Budget 2025–26: What does it mean for disability advocacy? For advocates, the Budget presents some small wins, but major gaps remain—particularly in funding for advocacy, appeals, and a continued lack of response to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations. 🔹 NDIS Appeals Funding Extended—$7.3 million will maintain current funding levels, ensuring continuity of services. However, with demand increasing, this falls short of the $20 million per year recommended by the Disability Royal Commission. 🔹 NDIS Spending Cuts – The Government is banking on spending $3.9 billion less on the NDIS over five years while investing an additional $171 million in fraud detection. Meanwhile, operational funding for the NDIA is set to decrease. 🔹 ILC Reform & Foundational Supports—$364.5 million has been allocated to redesign ILC programs, which is a positive step. However, this is largely a restructuring of existing funds rather than new investment. The scope of Foundational Support remains unclear, and states and territories must commit their share. 🔹 No Action on Disability Royal Commission Recommendations – We remain deeply concerned by the continued lack of investment in addressing systemic issues raised by the Commission. 🔹 Income Support Left Behind – Once again, the Budget does not increase DSP or JobSeeker, leaving many people with disability struggling below the poverty line. Read our full breakdown on the announcements and what they mean for advocates and the people we support.: https://lnkd.in/gpuR_dHy

📢 Advocacy Win: ART to resume publishing NDIS decisions Since the ART's establishment, limited publication of decisions has been a major concern for advocates and people with disability. DANA, alongside our friends at the Justice and Equity Centre, met with the ART’s leadership to push for greater transparency. We’re pleased to share that the Tribunal has confirmed it will resume publishing nearly all NDIS decisions—an essential step for accountability and fairness. Read more about this important advocacy win on our blog: https://lnkd.in/g74G-4Rd

Do you know what an independent advocate is? Now more than ever, it’s essential for people with disability to understand the role of independent advocacy. Our members say it best—thank you, Disability Advocacy NSW! 🔹 Independent advocates do not work for the NDIA or NDIS providers. 🔹 They are funded through dedicated federal or state advocacy programs, such as the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) 🔹 Advocacy is a free service for people with disability! Know the difference! DANA is committed to protecting the role of independent advocacy.

🚨 CYDA has launched their election campaign! 🚨 Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) are calling for action to improve the lives of children and young people with disability, and their families. One big issue is the lack of individual advocacy services. Many young people don’t have the support they need to stand up for their rights. CYDA is asking the Government to fix this and provide more advocacy support. 📢 Read their full election campaign here: https://lnkd.in/gHS_s4WB

Leadership news from DANA! Our CEO, Jeff Smith, has been appointed as the incoming NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner and will step into the role in April 2025. Jeff has been instrumental in strengthening the capability, and capacity of DANA for the purpose of supporting our members and people with disability. With this transition, we’re thrilled to announce that El Gibbs will take on the role of DANA CEO from March 2025. El’s leadership, trust from the sector and government as well as the wisdom required, makes her a great fit to continue DANA's work. Join us in congratulating Jeff and El on their new roles! Read the full statement from our Board Chair here: https://lnkd.in/gMzRgScE

Yesterday, DANA became aware of reports circulating about the closure of DRAS, an independent advocacy organisation in South Australia and former member of DANA. DANA has been following up with Minister Rishworth’s Office and DSS and the situation (as we understand it) is as follows. First, it is incorrect to say that DRAS has closed - rather, we understand agreements are still in place for DRAS to provide advocacy services. DSS have advised as follows: “We are writing to address recent communications advising the closure of Disability Rights Advocacy Service (DRAS). We wish to advise that at this time DRAS will be continuing to support clients until further notice. Thank you for your ongoing support.” Second, DANA has sought, and received, assurances from the Minister’s Office and DSS that there are no implications for wider advocacy funding more generally. DANA will continue to monitor the situation closely, and inform members as needed.

📢 Join Our Info Session: Supported Employment Advocacy Project! DANA Members, don’t miss this opportunity! We’re hosting an online session about grant funding for the Supported Employment Advocacy project in partnership with Inclusion Australia. If your organisation provides individual disability advocacy and supports people with intellectual disability, this is your chance to help support their employment options. Advocacy organisations can apply for funding to deliver this work in their area. 📅 26 February | 10:00–10:30 AM AEDT 📩 Register now by emailing our team: projects@dana.org.au

Justice and Equity Centre (formerly the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) has released its new NDIS Insights 2024-25. Our team is excited to dive into this important report. A huge thank you to the team at JEC for their valuable work in helping our sector navigate the complexities of the NDIS.

📣 Attention DANA Members! Check out this month’s online events at the National Centre for Disability Advocacy (NCDA). If your organisation is eligible to attend, email the NCDA team to register: ncda@dana.org.au