Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has called on local organisations and individuals to speak out against potential funding cuts to disability advocacy services in a review.
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The NSW Government had planned to cut funding to disability advocacy services in 2018 after the state's disability spending was transferred to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. But the government reversed the cuts to cover the sector until 2020.
The NSW Disability Advocacy Review is now accepting submissions regarding the continuation of funding after 2020.
Ms Aitchison said a funding cut "poses a threat to the rights of people with physical, intellectual and psychosocial disability".
The MP said that some issues and situations, such as legal and systemic matters, demanded supported or legal advocacy.
"Sometimes self-advocacy is possible, and sometimes people need to turn to those with expertise to advocate with them, and on their behalf," she said.
"I have referred a number of local people with disabilities and their careers to disability advocacy services as often the matters are very complex and require specialist skills to resolve. The other benefit is having the system policy advocacy arm, which ensures that issues are addressed for all people with disabilities; not just those who have the capacity to ask for help.
"I'm confident that submissions to the NSW Disability Advocacy Review will demonstrate just how important these services are to our community."
Submissions can be made at: www.ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au/about-us/consultations before October 18.
