IASW is concerned at the current impasse in the ongoing industrial relations issues in the National Advocacy Service (NAS) and particularly that this has led to staff at the NAS taking strike action. That action has resulted in a withdrawal of this important advocacy service across the country, with significant implications for those supported by NAS.
NAS advocates provide free and confidential services to adults with disabilities, assisting and working with some of those most at risk, providing in-person advocacy interventions in areas including housing, access to justice, health care, safeguarding and decision-making support. This includes supporting people to attend meetings with state agencies, helping them in discussions and instructions in court cases and working closely with them to support decision-making in hospitals and long care settings.
IASW calls on all parties to this dispute to work together, using all available mechanisms, to resolve this dispute, so that the vital services provided by NAS can be restored without delay.
