State Disability Advocacy Program recommissioning: frequently asked questions

The Department of Communities is recommissioning the State Disability Advocacy Program to ensure it remains fit for purpose, continues to deliver strong independent advocacy, and responds to changes across the disability sector. At its core, this work is focused on strengthening outcomes for people with disability by ensuring advocacy services are accessible, responsive and appropriately targeted to those who need them most.

In 2025, the Department of Communities undertook a Review of Disability Investments and heard from people with disability, advocacy organisations and other stakeholders across the sector.

The review confirmed that disability advocacy services are an essential part of the service system and continue to play a critical role in supporting people with disability to have their voices heard, understand their rights and navigate complex systems.

It also identified opportunities to redesign and strengthen the program to better meet current and future needs, improve accessibility and responsiveness, and ensure services are appropriately targeted to those who need them most.

Yes. In this year’s State Budget, the ongoing funding for the State Disability Advocacy Program was confirmed, providing certainty for the continued delivery of independent advocacy services through the recommissioned program within the existing approved funding envelope of approximately $6 million.

While recommissioning is not expected to increase the overall funding available to the program, it provides an opportunity to consider how available resources can best support current and future advocacy needs across Western Australia.

Yes. Communities will continue funding current State Disability Advocacy Program providers while the recommissioning work is underway. Current service arrangements remain in place.

No. No decisions have been made regarding future program design, service delivery models, commissioning approaches or procurement settings.

Communities will undertake targeted and proportionate stakeholder engagement to inform future program design and commissioning approaches. This work will build upon existing evidence and consultation findings from the 2025 Review of Disability Investments and other recent engagement activities to avoid unnecessary duplication and make the best use of stakeholder time and expertise.

Engagement will focus on sharing emerging insights, testing options and seeking feedback on key areas of program design and commissioning. Discussions will be structured to support policy and decision making and ensure engagement is focused and meaningful.

The recommissioning work will include a focus on advocacy for people with disability who also may be part of other priority cohorts such as Aboriginal Peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+ people. This will be reflected in Communities’ engagement which will be tailored to be inclusive, accessible and culturally safe.

No. Communities is currently exploring available options under the Delivering Community Services in Partnership Policy. No decisions have been made regarding future commissioning approaches or procurement settings. Stakeholder perspectives, alongside existing evidence and program objectives, will help inform future recommendations.

Recommissioning is expected to take approximately 18 months. Communities is currently undertaking planning and preparation activities, including consideration of program and commissioning options. 

Indicative timelines are:

• Mid 2026: Communication of recommissioning intent.
• Mid to late 2026: Stakeholder engagement and program redesign.
• Late 2026: Finalisation of program design and commissioning approach.
• Early 2027: Preparation for procurement.
• 2027: Procurement process and transition to future arrangements.
• 2028: Future arrangements in place.

Current service arrangements will remain in place throughout the recommissioning process.