Deb Fowler on previous occasions had spoken to the club on the her work with Bohollow Wildlife Shelter and The Numurkah Community Learning Centre, choosing this time to speak to the club on her role as a community visitor with the Office of Public Advocate.
The Public Advocate is an independent statutory officer, with considerable legislative power to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability.
Like the Ombudsman, the Public Advocate has significant powers to investigate allegations of abuse of vulnerable Victorians, reporting directly to Parliament.
The Public Advocate was established under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986 and continues under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019.
The Public Advocate is supported by around 100 staff and more than 650 volunteers.
OPA's vision is for a just and inclusive society that respects and promotes the dignity and human rights of all people.
OPA's purpose is to promote and protect the rights and interests of people with disability, and work to eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation.
In all activities and relationships, OPA strives to demonstrate:
Respect: treat everyone equally and with dignity and justice, accept each person's individuality, acknowledge diversity and promote self-determination
Compassion: accept people as they are and understand, acknowledge and have empathy for their circumstances
Inclusiveness: strive to empower all people to contribute and participate
Ethical behaviour: act at all times in a principled and informed manner, treat people fairly, accept accountability and uphold justice
Independence: be free-thinking, unbiased and impartial, and challenge the status quo.
As a community visitor, visits group homes and residential facilities, listens, observes and reports.
