DISABILITY ADVOCACY SERVICES

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (29 September 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for Disability has provided the following information:

1. Since 2007, the State Government has not funded disability advocacy services in South Australia and instead focuses resources on the provision of front-line services.

2. The Commonwealth Government, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs funds six advocacy services in South Australia. They are:

Brain Injury Network of South Australia Inc.

Citizen Advocacy South Australia Incorporated

Disability Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia Incorporated

Family Advocacy Incorporated

Independent Advocacy SA Inc.

MALSSA Incorporated

3. Most of these organisations provide statewide services including regional and remote areas of South Australia.

4. The Commonwealth Government is responsible for consultations in South Australia, in relation to the draft National Disability Advocacy Framework.