Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd

Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/gZcKNuKc Right now, our community is going through a tough time. Some people with disabilities are taking out their anger and frustration on others in the community, especially on social media. Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations have joined together to say that this kind of violence is never okay. Let’s not let anger and frustration tear us apart. Instead, let’s come together and be stronger as we work together to make important change. Australian Autism Alliance AFDO Admin Children and Young People with Disability Australia First Peoples Disability Network Inclusion Australia People with Disability Australia (PWDA) National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) Down Syndrome Australia Community Mental Health Australia Physical Disability Australia Ltd (PDA) Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Have your say on the National Carer Strategy. The Australian Government is developing a new National Carer Strategy to better support carers across the country. Whether you’re a current or former carer, or work in the carer support sector, this is your chance to share what matters most to you. Either write your own submission, or complete a short survey (available to print or complete online). Public consultation closes on Friday, 13 September. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gRdkxTkU

Attention DANA Members and advocates: The NDIA has launched a dedicated hotline for questions about NDIS legislation. 📞 1800 800 110 We have been assured that NDIA will continue to recruit more National Contact Centre staff to keep up with demand.

Today, 32 of our members and advocates from across Australia came together in Melbourne for the in-person Future of Advocacy Forum. Alongside the National Centre for Disability Advocacy (NCDA), we introduced the key components of our new project, which aims to create a proactive and sustainable vision for the future of the advocacy sector. A huge thank you to all our members who participated!

Our submission on the Draft NDIS Supports List (Section 10) is now on our website. We have been collaborating with our members and other Disability Representative Organisations (DROs) to develop a detailed submission and joint statements for the NDIS Consultation. Our submission especially highlights the concerns raised by advocates about the limited time available since these draft lists were released for consultation. Read the full submission here: https://lnkd.in/g6kKw3Tb

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has announced that the Government has secured the support of states and territories for its controversial legislation and reform agenda. Word on the street is that with Coalition support, the Bill could pass as early as this week. Confused about what's changing? You’re not alone - there have been 40 proposed amendments. We will be holding a webinar with Dr. Darren O’Donovan, Ebe Gannon and DSC’s Chris Coombes this Friday at 10am AEST to help you make sense of what is happening and digest what is about to change. Register online https://lnkd.in/gnsmT2EZ

Last month, the Government’s disappointing response to the Disability Royal Commission left the disability community reeling. Two weeks later, we’re still asking: DRC, WTF?! We know many are feeling hurt and frustrated. But the big question is: where to from here? Join the Disability Dialogue on August 27th at 7:00pm (AEST) for an Open Dialogue as the panel debrief, download, and discuss the path forward. Featuring DANA's Deputy CEO, El Gibbs. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gr4FvAQ3

DANA teamed up with other DROs while we were at Parliament House this week. #StrongerTogether - we addressed critical issues surrounding the NDIS Bill, the NDIS Supports List, and the need for increased advocacy funding. Pictured is DANA's Deputy CEO El Gibbs (second from right), alongside Megan Spindler-Smith (Deputy CEO, PWDA), Sophie Cusworth (Acting CEO, WWDA) and Catherine McAlpine (CEO, Inclusion Australia).

Not one to usually get behind the camera, our CEO, Jeff Smith, talks about his visit to Canberra this week! Joined by our Deputy CEO, El Gibbs, they’ve been busy walking the halls (and lunch rooms) of Parliament House, advocating for our members and the rights of people with disability. Strengthening the NDIS Bill is also high on their agenda! #DisabilityAdvocacy #SpeakUp4IndepedentAdvocacy

New Blog Post: Updates on the NDIS Bill Liam T. from our Policy Team dives into the draft lists released by the DSS and NDIA, which outline the supports included and excluded if the NDIS Bill passes. These lists shape section 10 of the legislation, granting the government power to limit NDIS spending. DANA is deeply concerned about the impact of these restrictive lists on people with disability and their advocates. Read more about the implications and our stance on our website: https://ow.ly/iCOs50STpoj