Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)

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 who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.

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.