15Functions of the Public Advocate

15 Functions of the Public Advocate The functions of the Public Advocate are— (a) to promote the human rights of persons with a disability and the development of the ability of such persons to act independently; and (b) to protect persons with a disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation; and (c) to undertake advocacy for persons with a disability on a systemic or individual basis; and (d) to manage and coordinate programs that promote the human rights of persons with a disability; and (e) to encourage the development and operation of programs, services and facilities for persons with a disability that— (i) involve and engage persons with a disability in the provision of these services; and (ii) develop the ability of persons with a disability to act independently; and (iii) promote accessibility of services for persons with a disability; and (iv) minimise restrictions on the human rights of persons with a disability; and (f) to promote and facilitate informed public awareness and understanding by disseminating information about— (i) the provisions of this Act and other legislation dealing with or affecting persons with a disability or persons who may not have decision-making capacity; and (ii) the role of VCAT and the Public Advocate; and (iii) services provided to persons with a disability; and (g) to investigate, report and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to— (i) any aspect of the operation of the **Guardianship and Administration Act 2019**; and (ii) any function conferred on the Public Advocate by or under this or any other Act; and (h) any other function conferred on the Public Advocate by or under this or any other Act.