DROs provide national, systemic advocacy so governments hear directly from people with disability. See who’s funded, how DROs work together, and where FPDN fits.
What are DROs and how do they shape reform?
The Disability Representative Organisations (DRO) Program funds national organisations led by people with disability to provide systemic advocacy, bringing lived experience into laws, policies and programs. DROs advise on reforms, coordinate input across portfolios, and hold governments to account. Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) also delivers a National Coordination Function, supporting joint work across DROs.
What DROs do (at a glance)
Lift lived-experience voices in government decision-making (design, implementation, evaluation).
Coordinate joint submissions & positions on major reforms (e.g., NDIS supports rules).
Advise across systems (health, justice, education, housing, employment), not just the NDIS.
FPDN’s role
FPDN is the First Nations DRO, leading systemic advocacy so policies and services respect culture, Country and community. We partner with other DROs on shared positions and bring First Nations disability leadership into national consultations.
Disability Representative Organisations – List & Links
DSS funds 11 organisations for systemic advocacy. DANA is funded as both the National Coordination Function and a DRO for the individual advocacy sector.
- People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
- First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN)
- National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
- Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
- Inclusion Australia (intellectual disability)
- Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
- Down Syndrome Australia
- Physical Disability Australia (PDA)
- Australian Autism Alliance
- Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA)
- Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) – National Coordination Function
Why DROs matter for First Nations people with disability
Ensures culture, community and lived experience are embedded in national reforms.
Elevates First Nations disability leadership and solutions across systems.
Supports joint advocacy on foundational supports, NDIS rules, justice and safety.
Useful Links
- About the DRO Program (overview and purpose)
- National disability advocacy (program context)
Want to partner with FPDN on a joint submission or consultation? Contact our Policy Team.
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