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
- Call 1300 309 337
- Visit the Office of the Public Advocate website
The National Relay Service (NRS) is available to help callers with a hearing or speech impairment. For:
- TTY users, call 133 677, then ask for 1300 309 337
- Speak and Listen users, call 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 309 337
- Internet relay users, connect to the National Relay Service then ask for 1300 309 337.
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.