Ruth Owen CBE GAICD

Successful advocacy starts with a plan. Understanding the foundations for advocacy will help your organisation identify priorities and plan proactively to achieve success.   Astrolabe Group has a strong track record in delivering collaborative advocacy for our clients within and across government. Want to know more about our services? Our Understanding Advocacy Capability statement can be found below. #Advocacy #StrategicPlanning #AstrolabeGroup #GovernmentRelations #Collaboration #PublicPolicy #Success #ClientServices #GovernmentAdvocacy #ProfessionalServices #Expertise

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Anyone remember 'Roadmap 2025 - achieving disability equality by 2025'? It was published by the Office for Disability Issues in 2009, and then ditched by the Coalition Government a year later. I was very involved in this at the time, having been Head of Policy at the Disability Rights Commission and then Director of the Disability Programme at the EHRC. The accent was on closing gaps in experience and outcomes, it was undergirded by new(ish) Disability Equality Duty, and we had worked hard to find ways to mainstream disability equality into broader policy agendas and debates such as around child poverty, skills, criminal justice and health. This came at the end of a long period of progressive - even if imperfect - policy reform. And then it felt to just hit a wall. I wondered if there were any organisations/researchers out there that might want to do a 'disability equality 2025' State of the Nation report (it being 20 years next year since the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report on improving the life chances of disabled people that kickstarted this work, and since the 2005 Disability Discrimination Act, 25 years since the DRC opened for business & 30 since the original DDA). There no doubt are areas where progress has been made, either at the level of action or outcomes, but many where things just stagnated, have gone backwards or where new challenges have emerged. I just don't feel like anyone is offering an account of this overall (but forgive me if I'm just out of the loop) and so we lack an overall story about the life situation of disabled people, coming up the very year equality was promised. Happy to explore with people as would love to play a part in making it happen https://lnkd.in/e5YnMKgc

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Jumped on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) this afternoon to discuss the LNP’s housing plan, released today. Also, considered points of convergence between the Labor and LNP plans, both in focus this state budget week. Check it out, hopefully it offers some interesting analysis. https://lnkd.in/gPiqp-RE #StateBudget #BudgetReply #Queensland #HomeMatters #BetterTogether

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How do we improve independent scrutiny during policy reform? Independent scrutiny is critical to sound public policy governance, but how do we get the most out of it? 1️⃣ Who commissions the review matters! 2️⃣ Choose truly independent consultants. 3️⃣ Ensure a direct line to decision-makers. 4️⃣ Protect confidentiality. ➡️ Learn how to fix your reviews for better policy-making in my latest article: https://lnkd.in/gGzy-4Xm #PublicPolicy #Governance #PolicyReview

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Institute of Community Directors Australia gave an excellent overview of the Not-for-Profit Sector Development blueprint today. I particularly enjoyed the way Adele Stowe-Lindner brought some of the recommendations to life. Like when 60% of NFPs report not having enough in their funding to cover operating costs, that means we're all doing applications and acquittals (and often some of the project too) for free - which needs to change, with governments and funders agreeing to pay what it takes. And how changes to Deductible Gift Recipient status to broaden and simplify it might mean that we can tidy up some frustrating anomalies like how 'preventing social harm' is not eligible for DGR but 'responding to social harm' is. Like the need to protect the rights of NFPs to advocate for what people and the planet need most, without having their funding taken off them. If an NFP is funded to support the health and wellbeing of refugees, they should absolutely have the right to advocate for changes to how refugees are treated more broadly. And how NFPs need to upskill digitally to take advantage of what computers can do, and avoid some of the harms. I loved Adele's analogy of how a computer is less like a typewriter and more like an extra staff member - just like a staff member, we have to make sure they're adding value, be understanding that they'll sometimes get things wrong, and ensure that they're not sharing gossip at the watercooler (releasing data they shouldn't). There is so much more in the blueprint. Well worth reading when you get time! https://lnkd.in/gVhjPTXd I look forward to many of these changes being rolled out to make the NFP sector, which does so much social and environmental good (and noting that about 80% of identified social enterprises are NFPs!) stronger and more agile. PS, kudos to the committee that wrote this report for including all actions considered and whether they were included or not in the appendix. Great transparency!

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Government Grant funding between $80,000 and $400,000 to support projects which prevent technology facilitated abuse of women. Projects should be focussed on the prevention of online harm and enhanced safety for women and children. For example projects may: - Aim to change community attitudes and behaviours, - Focus on the perpetrators of technology-facilitated abuse, or - Seek to protect and support women and children. Up to $600,000 of the total funding is allocated to organisations delivering projects that focus on prevention of tech-based abused of First Nations women. Eligible applicants must: - Hold an ABN. - Be registered for GST. - Have an Australian bank account. - Be a legal entity. - Be a non-government organisation, NFP or charitable organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit commission. - Be financially viable. Eligible applicants for priority funding as a First Nations focussed project must: - Be an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation (ACCO), or - Be an organisation that is primarily focussed on achieving outcomes for First Nations communities, or - Be an organisation that is partnering with one of these eligible entities. Applications must be submitted by rpm (ACT local time) on 16th December 2024. For more information and to access the online application form follow the link below. If you need assistance with your application or an independent review to increase your potential for success please contact GrantSmart vie direct message.

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Grant opportunity: Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants Opened 24/04/24; Closes 05/06/24; $100,000 up to $3M; National This grant supports short-term (up to 3 years), industry-led research collaborations. Projects must: -develop a product, service or process that will solve problems for industry and deliver real outcomes -benefit small to medium enterprises (SMEs) -include education and training activities. To be eligible as a lead applicant you must: be an SME, have an ABN, and be incorporated in Australia and a trading corporation. Your trading activities must be either: -enough to be called a trading corporation -a major, not minor, part of your overall activity. Note: review the budget workbook understand the detail you need to incorporate. #pruesgold #grants #grantwriting

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📣 Important Background on Self-Directed Supports in the NDIS 🚨 The government is seeking input on a new regulatory model designed to uphold the rights of participants who self-direct their supports while ensuring visibility for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This builds on the Natalie Wade Taskforce recommendations for a new Self-Direction Registration Category, recognising self-direction as a legitimate and empowering alternative to traditional provider-led models. 📝 Background: The NDIS Review’s recommendation that all providers be registered faced strong opposition from the disability community. Many participants shared stories of inflexibility, restrictions, and abuse from registered providers, highlighting their preference for self-directed support systems they built themselves—systems they found safer, more sustainable, and higher in quality. Minister Bill Shorten established the Registration Taskforce to explore how to respect these voices while implementing the recommendation. The Taskforce, after extensive consultation, recognised self-direction as a vital, person-led approach to service delivery and recommended the creation of a Self-Direction Registration Category. 💡 Why This Matters: This is a chance to reshape service delivery, so that we can organise our supports on our terms. While self-direction may not suit everyone, it offers a vital alternative that empowers participants to be in control of our support and decide who comes into our homes. 🔍 Key Focus Areas for Feedback: Definition of self-directed supports Proposed obligations for registered self-directed participants Support from the NDIS 📌 Have Your Say: This consultation could pave the way for a more personalised and individualised NDIS. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of self-directed supports. 👉 Read the consultation paper here:

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Opportunity 

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Royal Far West welcomes the release of the Federal Government's Early Years Strategy (7 May) which sets out a ten year roadmap for children aged 0-5 years, aimed at achieving a nationally consistent early years system. The strategy highlights many areas for reform in the sector like the need for a more coordinated approach, greater collaboration between Commonwealth, State and local governments, supporting local solutions and the need for better data. It is based on solid principles and good outcomes like improving access and disadvantage, which is especially important for country kids. We look forward to the first Action Plan from the Strategy, to be released later this year, and how funds will be allocated. Early learning is one of the best gifts we can give our children. It is in this timeframe that many building blocks are laid. For country kids experiencing developmental challenges, a lack of access to services, long wait times and cost are inhibitive factors in getting help. The combination of these factors and other social determinants are inextricably linked to poorer mental health, poorer educational outcomes and ultimately poorer life outcomes. Early intervention and preventative supports are key. It is important that any action plan recognises the importance of allied health as part of the solution for both early and preventative intervention in rural and remote areas of Australia. Where a child lives should not be a barrier to access services nor a cause for disadvantage. https://lnkd.in/gtXpbuNm #AnneAly #earlylearning #amandarishworth #auspol 

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53% of LGBTQIA+ initiatives have insufficient capacity to achieve their strategic goals! This is just one of the stats revealed today by "Pointing to Progress"—a national report into the capacities of the LGBTQIA+ sector. Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/g9e6VScu

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Coming into a chair role in September this course was invaluable about really exploring and understanding and engaging with: - what is our members reality right now -what was it that didn't make them sticky? on boarding, mis-matched expectations, friction points, offerings. - what is keeping them up at night so we can support and help them -how can we be more specific with our way of supporting our members. - will AI be a factor and if so, how can we embrace it to make our profession more efficient. And the big one - we are always doing alot behind the scenes - but we very rarely convey WHAT we are doing to our members. It was strategy on steriods, and ONZ will be in a much better place strategically to move forward.

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🌟 Have Your Say: Mandatory Registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Support Coordination 🌟 The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is seeking your input on proposed changes to improve the quality and safety of Supported Independent Living (SIL) and support coordination services. 🔑 Key Highlights: Mandatory Registration: All SIL and support coordination providers will be required to register with the NDIS Commission, ensuring stronger safeguards and consistent support standards. Transition Period: Providers will have time to align with these new requirements, while participants continue to receive uninterrupted supports. 📢 Why Participate? Your feedback will shape how these changes are implemented, ensuring they address the needs of NDIS participants, providers, and the broader community. 📅 How to Get Involved: Complete the survey: https://lnkd.in/gVaE_sp8 Submit written feedback: [email protected] 💬 Share your thoughts by March 2025

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Virtually attended #A11yCamp2024 today. Great tips to take away — Give context to numbers and create an impact — 1 in 5, is 5 million, or entire population of Melbourne. Ignore accessibility = ignore Melbourne. Would you? — Don't forget invisible disabilities. Sunflower Organisation has identified 900 invisible disabilities. Ex: 'Covid brain' — The best design is invisible — seamless user experience. It is there when you need it and doesn't distract you from achieving your goal. — Are our solutions responsive by default? Why not Accessible by default? — Develop accessibility risk matrix and work towards reducing the risk as part of BAU — Accessibility requirements are embedded as part of design handover — Be as laser focused on improving accessibility as you are on product features — Our responsive testing should also include testing xxxl zoomed view — Automated tools in general miss 85-90% of real accessibility issues, especially in content. Testing our solutions with actual users is crucial. They know the best. — Accessibility defect management system Principles: — “When I'm overwhelmed, I need less information to rest my brain” — principle for content strategy — Include disability user into every test — principle for usability testing — Prepare a UX measurement plan for accessibility, measure, monitor and improve — principle for CX Feedback loop Optimise screen reader navigation experience: — group relevant content together — auto announce new screen name on landing — Accessibility APIs for effective assisted technology like screen readers A very special learning, I must confess I haven't paid enough attention to: People with alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges — represent an often marginalised and diverse group, experiencing a range of mental and emotional impacts that can affect how they interact with a digital product. — When accessing a website, they may be intoxicated, experiencing trauma or emotional distress, or facing another health challenge. — So how do we design truly inclusive digital experiences that take into account the range of emotional and cognitive impacts they’re facing? — Few challenges: — Can't access 2FA, digital identity, may not have access to their own phone — Limited data/WiFi — housing uncertainity, no charger, limited time — emergency situations where devices may be lost, not available etc — Tips: — Breadcrumb navigation can remind people how they got there — Progress bars can anchor people, give them a sense of what's coming — Meaning full action buttons — Familiar patterns, icons, symbols — Touch target size, icon size #accessibility #a11ycamp2024

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The NSW Labor Government will introduce a new Performance and Wellbeing Framework as part of its budget papers to improve transparency and accountability along with driving positive social outcomes. Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos announced the new framework in a speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia in Sydney. It will replace the previous Liberal-National Government’s Outcomes Statement. The Performance and Wellbeing Framework will: Provide improved ‘line of sight’ for monitoring performance by more explicitly linking the government’s objectives with the results and impact achieved. Reflect the government’s priorities, emphasising state responsibility across key service delivery areas such as health, education, transport and housing. Embed wellbeing considerations in advice to government, supporting improvements in resources allocation, decision making, and public accountability. Work alongside the Commonwealth's ‘Measuring What Matters’ statement, along with similar tools used in other states and territories, and in similar jurisdictions around the world.

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The relationship between local and central government is make-or-break for successful policy implementation. However, over the past decade, the central-local relationship has become increasingly strained. A new government offers a chance to rebuild and reset this relationship. In the final part of our Prioritising Public Services series, we explore how central and local government can work together to achieve this. While collaboration sounds simple, it's far more complex in practice. Our experience shows that effective bridge-building is essential. By fostering trust and understanding between partners, and focusing on real people, rather than just processes, bridge-builders can help create the conditions for successful public service delivery. To read on about resetting the relationship between central and local government, including harnessing the power of bridge-building, download our short overview: https://lnkd.in/g3eY9tRj For further insights into our six priorities for public service reform, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eYygY85V #NewGovernment #PrioritisingPublicServices #CentralGovernment #LocalGov #Community

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