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.
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
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.