Illawarra Advocacy

07/08/2026

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello to us at the Need a Feed Mini Service Expo!

It was great to be part of the day, connecting with people with disability, families, carers and members of our local community.

Events like this are a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about disability advocacy, talk with people about their rights, choice and control, and make sure people know where they can turn when they need support to have their voice heard.

We enjoyed catching up with familiar faces, meeting new people and having some important conversations about the issues affecting people with disability in our community.

30/07/2026

There's still time to join us at the Need A Feed Australia Mini Service Expo on Tuesday, 4 August!

If you're looking for information about disability advocacy, want to learn more about your rights, or would simply like to meet the Illawarra Advocacy team, we'd love to see you there.

With more than 20 local support services attending, it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with organisations, explore what's available in our community, and enjoy a free lunch.

Don't forget to come and say hello!

We are fully booked!!
20+ support services attending
Lunch provided on the day

Are you joining us??!
It will be a great day!

29/07/2026

A positive step towards more equitable transport.

Uber has announced it will remove the additional $5 fee for Uber Assist rides following strong advocacy from Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Australia and the disability community. Uber has also committed to reviewing the Uber Assist service and establishing an Accessibility Advisory Panel to help shape future decisions affecting people with disability.

This is a great example of how advocacy can lead to meaningful change. Accessible transport should never come at an additional cost, and everyone deserves fair and equitable access to essential services.

Read more in the LINK article below:

https://linkonline.com.au/ubers-decision-to-remove-its-5-per-ride-assist-charge-welcomed-by-vision-australia/

Vision Australia welcomes Uber’s decision to remove its $5 ‘assist fee’, in consideration for people with disability.

28/07/2026

New research highlights the ongoing challenges faced by young Australians with disability.

A new study from Flinders University has found that, despite decades of policy reforms, the gap between young people with disability and their peers has remained largely unchanged in key areas such as education, employment, health, safety and social inclusion. The findings highlight that while some progress has been made, significant barriers and inequities still exist.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community, access quality education and employment, and receive the supports they need to thrive. Continued advocacy and meaningful reform remain essential to achieving a more inclusive Australia.

Read the full article here:

https://phys.org/news/2026-07-conditions-unchanged-young-people-disability.html

The level of inequity experienced by young people with disability has remained largely unchanged since the turn of the century, according to new research led by Flinders University. Using data from the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey (HILDA), researchers examined the extent....

27/07/2026

Understanding your rights when seeking review of an NDIS decision.

A recent ABC News article highlights one family's experience after the NDIA reduced a participant's funded supports from dedicated one-to-one support to shared supports. The family has indicated they intend to seek review of that decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Every NDIS participant has the right to seek review of decisions that affect their supports. Independent review processes play an important role in helping ensure decisions are fair, transparent and based on the available evidence.

At Illawarra Advocacy, we regularly support NDIS participants through our NDIS Appeals program, assisting people to understand their review rights and navigate the Administrative Review Tribunal process.

While every participant's circumstances are unique, understanding your rights and the review process can help people make informed decisions when seeking review of an NDIS decision.

Read the ABC News article here:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-16/ndis-ndia-failing-lucy-muggeridge-disability-care/106897144

Experts say the National Disability Insurance Scheme is failing people like Lucy, whose one-on-one care for severe disability has been deemed "not value for money".

26/07/2026

AusAlert Test Happening Today

Today, a nationwide test of the AusAlert emergency warning system will take place. Test messages may be sent to compatible mobile phones to help ensure Australia's emergency alert system is working as intended.

If you are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, or if receiving an unexpected emergency alert could place you at risk, it may be worth taking extra precautions.

This could include:
Turning your phone off or switching it to airplane mode during the test period (if it is safe for you to do so).
Keeping your phone with you so you can manage any alerts discreetly.
Having a safety plan in place if you're concerned about someone else seeing the message.

While today's alert is only a test, it's important to be aware of how these notifications may affect people in different circumstances.

For more information about the AusAlert test, visit the official government website: https://www.emergencyalert.gov.au

Home

23/07/2026

Have you visited the Illawarra Advocacy website?

You can learn more about our free and independent disability advocacy services, our service areas and how we may be able to support you.

You can also use our website to submit a referral for yourself or someone else.

Visit https://illawarraadvocacy.org.au/

We provide free, independent advocacy to support people with disability in navigating challenges, upholding their rights, and accessing essential services. Our person-centred approach ensures fair treatment and meaningful outcomes.

22/07/2026

Why does the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) matter so much?

Last week brought welcome news that three key multiple sclerosis (MS) medications will remain on the PBS, ensuring Australians living with MS can continue accessing these life-changing treatments at affordable prices while a rapid review is undertaken.

The Guardian explains how the PBS works, why these medicines were at risk, and how international pharmaceutical pricing, including pressure from overseas markets can influence access to medicines here in Australia. It also explores the challenges of balancing affordable healthcare with ensuring people have access to the treatments that best meet their individual needs.

For many people with disability and chronic health conditions, affordable access to medication isn't just about cost, it's about maintaining health, independence and quality of life.

Read the full article below:

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/16/pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-pbs-ms-drugs-medicine-us-trump

Health minister Mark Butler confirms Ocrevus, Kesimpta and Lemtrada will stay subsidised amid questions about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

21/07/2026

Understanding changes to the NDIS helps people make informed decisions about their rights.

The Australian Government has released an updated fact sheet explaining recent amendments to the NDIS legislation following community feedback.

If you receive NDIS supports, it's important to stay informed about changes that may affect the Scheme.

Read more below…

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 will make changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013. This fact sheet is a summary of recent amendments agreed to in response to feedback.

20/07/2026

People with disability have the right to feel safe, be heard and have their human rights respected.

The Building Inclusion: Australia's Disability Strategy podcast explores these important topics, with Episode 3 featuring human rights lawyer and former Disability Royal Commission Commissioner Kate Eastman SC. In conversation with host Sam Drummond, she discusses how we can better understand and improve safety for people with disability.

If you're interested in disability rights, advocacy or creating a more inclusive Australia, this podcast is well worth a listen.

Check out the post below to learn more and find where you can listen to all six episodes.