Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Home

Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)

Actions for this page

Description

The Victorian Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) promotes the rights, interests and dignity of people with a disability (specifically intellectual impairment, mental illness, brain injury, physical disability or dementia) living in Victoria.

Services provided

  • Telephone advice service
    • The OPA can advise on matters such as guardianship and administration, enduring powers of attorney and consent to medical or dental treatment
    • The service also offers advice and assistance to professionals from the health, human services, legal, community services and government sectors
  • Advocacy for people with a disability who have no other advocacy options and are at risk of abuse, exploitation or neglect
  • Community education
  • Publications
  • Community Visitors, who are volunteers empowered by law to visit Victorian disability accommodation services, supported residential services and mental health facilities
  • Volunteer programs

Eligibility

Available to anyone in Victoria

How to access

 To get assistance or find information from the Office of the Public Advocate

The National Relay Service (NRS) is available to help callers with a hearing or speech impairment. For:

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.

Costs

The OPA provides a free service.
Calls to the OPA are charged at the cost of a local call.
Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate.

Website

Victorian Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)

Tip

  • Enduring powers of attorney can promote the dignity and rights of a person who is unable to make their own decisions about matters.
  • People with a disability have the right to be parents and care for their children with inclusion and support.

Important

In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

Complaints