Mackay to share in close to $4 million for disability advocacy services

People with disability in Mackay will benefit from expanded advocacy services to support and protect their rights and assist with navigating National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pathways, following the local rollout of the scheme.

While visiting the area for Governing from the Regions, Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke said this funding was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s efforts to support people with disability during the transition to, and following the rollout of, the NDIS.

“I am delighted we will provide funding totalling more than $3.85 million to 14 organisations around Queensland to deliver disability and community care advocacy services across the state,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This includes local organisation Mackay Advocacy, which will receive almost $330,000 to continue to provide advocacy to local people with disability through to the end of June 2021.

“We know how important advocacy support is to people during times of change, just like the NDIS transition and the early years of the scheme, so these services will protect the rights of people with disability and help them have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

“Advocates are doing a wonderful job assisting people with disability to determine their eligibility for the NDIS, establish their plans, implement their plans with service providers and review their plans with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).”

Queensland is almost half-way through its transition to the full rollout of the NDIS, with areas such as Toowoomba, Townsville, Mackay, Mount Isa, Whitsundays and Ipswich transitioned across to the NDIS.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government had committed to funding these advocacy organisations for two years after the full implementation of the NDIS, which is until to 30 June 2021.

“This funding will provide more certainty for the disability sector, along with people with disability, their families, friends and carers into the future,” she said.

The other funded services are located in Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Ipswich and across Brisbane.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389