Office of the Public Advocate

Since its establishment in 1986, the Victorian Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) has promoted the rights, interests and dignity of people with disability (specifically intellectual impairment, mental illness, brain injury, physical disability or dementia) living in Victoria. The Public Advocate, OPA staff and more than 900 volunteers provide guardianship and advocacy services for people with disability by: • acting as guardian when appointed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to make decisions in the best interests of a person with disability • providing advice, education and information to the public, and to health, human services and legal professionals • undertaking research and strategic advocacy to improve laws, policies and the delivery of services that affect people with disability • supporting people with disability in interviews with Victoria Police, and advocating for the rights of people living in group homes, supported accommodation or receiving treatment in a mental health facility.