We, the undersigned, call on the Victorian government to reverse the cuts to the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) Program and provide permanent funding for the service to continue.

The DLO Program was introduced during the pandemic to support people with disability to get vaccinated. The program has expanded to supporting people with disability to navigate the wider health system.

In June 2022 the Victorian government announced that funding for the program will be cut, reducing support for people with disability in the health system.

The DLO program is desperately needed. The Disability Royal Commission has highlighted how the health system lets down people with disability, especially cognitive disability. People with disability experience significantly worse health outcomes than people without disability. They are often stuck in hospital beds for months waiting for an NDIS decision.

DLOs work tirelessly to make the health system more inclusive and accessible for people with disability. They play a crucial role building the capacity of other health professionals.

DLOs are committed to achieving the goals laid out in Australia’s Disability Strategy, which states, “Better outcomes are achieved for people with disability when health providers understand their individual situation and circumstances, communicate well, do not allow disability to overshadow health issues, and provide services, premises and facilities that are accessible and appropriate.”

These goals won’t be achieved unless health services have experienced and qualified staff like DLOs dedicated to improving outcomes for people with disability.