New research from Associate Professor Ali Lakhani has evaluated a campaign to address persistent delays in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) housing and support approval processes.
“These delays often leave people with disability stuck in hospitals or aged care settings far longer than clinically necessary, limiting their autonomy and wellbeing,” he explains.
The research team evaluated the Down to 10 Days campaign, an advocacy initiative aimed at reducing delays.
“Our evaluation revealed that coordinated, evidence-informed advocacy, supported by coalition-building, clear messaging and political timing, can elevate policy issues and stimulate system responsiveness.”
Associate Professor Lakhani says these shifts reflect the potential of structured advocacy to influence national systems.
“More broadly, the evaluation demonstrates how advocacy processes can be deliberately assessed and improved, supporting the strategic use of resources in campaigns aiming to inform public opinion and policy agendas.”
Building on this work, Associate Professor Lakhani will now examine how advocacy evaluations can embed inclusive practices, to ensure people with lived experience shape both the campaign focus and assessment.
“We also aim to refine evaluation tools that advocacy groups can use in real time to adapt and strengthen their influence strategies.”
The research was co-authored by Dr Di Winkler, CEO of the Summer Foundation, and Associate Professor Rwth Stuckey, Dr Ruth Mackenzie-Stewart, and PhD candidate, Ms Deniz Senyel from La Trobe University.
