The State Government has committed to strengthening support for people with disability during the implementation of the NDIS, with the appointment of a newly created Disability Advocate announced today.
Dr David Caudrey has been appointed to the position in South Australia. Dr Caudrey has a long history working in the disability sector, having held positions including Executive Director of Disability SA and CEO of Novita Children’s Services.
The Advocate will be independent of disability service delivery, with responsibility to identify and improve any systemic issues as a result of the disability reform process, including the introduction of the NDIS.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said she was pleased to appoint Mr Caudrey to his new role.
“Dr Caudrey has extensive experience in South Australia’s disability sector, with expert knowledge of how the government and non-government disability services operate, as well as the NDIS,” said Minister Lensink.
“Dr Caudrey will play a critical role in informing the development of future policy, to ensure that people with disability in SA are well supported in the future and he will advocate for system improvements to ensure people with disability make a safe transition to the NDIS.
“The role of the advocate will look at the NDIS and associated reform from a state-wide perspective and the role does not replace existing complaint or individual advocacy systems.”
The Disability Advocate is part of the Office of the Public Advocate and will work closely with the Public Advocate, the Department of Human Services, the National Disability Insurance Agency, sector partners and community advocacy organisations.
The Disability Advocate has been appointed from January 2019 for a period of one year, when it is anticipated that all existing clients of disability services in South Australia will have transitioned to the NDIS.
