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Artwork: Systemic Advocacy

Systemic advocacy

Systemic advocates make sure that people are not discriminated against and that their rights are protected by working to change government law and policy that removes the barriers and upholds the rights of our mob with disability.

First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) is a national organisation of and for Australia’s First Peoples with disability and their families. We work to elevate the voices of and lead change for First Peoples with disability through systemic advocacy and representation.

FPDN contributes on policy and programs at state, territory and federal levels. FPDN shares knowledge and information with governments, and advocates for community control and community leadership. There is immense knowledge, understanding, expertise and experience in our communities. FPDN works to ensure that our systemic advocacy work is genuinely informed by the lived experiences of First Peoples with disability. FPDN is regularly called on for advice by politicians and bureaucrats.

We regularly chair national consultative forums at the invitation of Australian Government Ministers to lend our expertise as the peak national body of and for First Peoples with Disability. We have and continue to prepare submissions to appear before numerous Commonwealth and State government enquiries and represent on multiple committees and advisory groups to advance the rights and entitlements of First Peoples with disability in Australia and Internationally.

FPDN has represented Australia and First Peoples with disability at the United Nations in Geneva and New York at high level reviews, forums and meetings; including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

FPDN is proud to stand with other First Nations organisations on issues of national importance and proud to be a National Member of the Coalition of Peaks – a representative body of around fifty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations and members. We came together as an act of self-determination to be formal partners with Australian governments on Closing the Gap and the Change the Record Campaign.

FPDN is also one of four member organisations of the Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO).