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Getting the AAT right for people with disability

Getting the AAT right for people with disability

Independent disability advocates around the country have shared their experience and expertise to recommend a better appeals system for people with disability who use the NDIS and call for an urgent increase in funding for advocacy.

The Federal Government is changing the AAT. DANA talked to many of the advocacy organisations around the country who work alongside people with disability to appeal to the AAT. Advocates talked about the many problems in the AAT, and how unfair the process has been for people with disability. They also talked about how the new tribunal and decision process can be made better for everyone, most importantly for people with disability. Here are the key areas that will make the new appeals system fairer.

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The National Centre for Disability Advocacy releases 2023 Consultation Report

The National Centre for Disability Advocacy releases 2023 Consultation Report

The NCDA is pleased to release the 2023 Consultation report: Consultation Report for the establishment of a National Centre for Disability Advocacy. This report was written following consultation sessions held around Australia and online between October 2022 and February 2023. 140 people from across the disability advocacy sector attended 14 consultations held in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane and Darwin. These consultations provided an opportunity to hear directly from advocates and managers about how the NCDA could best support their work. The report explains the purpose of the NCDA, highlights areas of priority as identified by the sector and proposes planned activities that relate to the Centre’s functions.

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DANA welcomes two new members to leadership team

DANA welcomes two new members to leadership team

Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) is pleased to announce two new members of its leadership team, Jeff Smith and El Gibbs. Jeff has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer after a rigorous recruitment process. Jeff first joined DANA over 12 months ago as Chief Operating Officer. He brings to DANA a wealth of governance and strategic experience, having been an Executive in the community sector for 15 years. Additionally, we welcome El to DANA in the new role of Director, Policy and Advocacy. El is a seasoned advocate, communications genius and NDIS specialist.

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DANA eNews – March 2023

DANA eNews – March 2023

Check your inbox and junk folder for the March edition of DANA Monthly eNews!

This edition is full of the latest news about advocacy, the NDIS, the Disability Royal Commission (DRC), and COVID-19 information. There is plenty happening across the disability advocacy sector, with recent updates being released around consultations and reviews; reports around key sector issues, sector activity and campaigns around systemic issues. 

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NDIS Review – DANA commissions international review by global expert, Dr Simon Duffy

NDIS Review – DANA commissions international review by global expert, Dr Simon Duffy

As part of its contribution to the review of the NDIS, DANA has commissioned Dr Simon Duffy, an expert on disability support systems and human rights, to provide an international perspective on Australian progress with the NDIS. Dr Duffy is one of the founders of the global Self-Directed Support Network. In 2013, Simon argued that “the NDIS could be one of the most important international developments in the advancement of the human rights of people with disabilities in recent years.” However, he also said that the scheme had several important design flaws.

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