Background of the ATDP

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The Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) replaced the former Training and Information Program (TIP) on 1 July 2016. Learn about the history of the program, and the governance structure.

On this page

  1. Governance structure and the blueprint
  2. History of the ATDP
  3. Contact the ATDP

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Governance structure and the blueprint

The ATDP is managed by DVA with close involvement with the Registered Training Organisation, the Regional Implementation Groups (RIGs) and the assessors.

The program is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

You can read the advocacy blueprint here:

The ATDP Blueprint has now been implemented.

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History of the ATDP

Before the ATDP, there was the Training and Information Program (TIP).

In 2011, we commissioned an Advocacy Training Review. We chose the late Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO (Retd) to lead it.

After consulting with the ex-service community, the review identified alternate learning approaches to that used by TIP. A working party was established to address the need for a more contemporary approach to the training and development of advocates.

This work culminated in The Advocacy Blueprint. In 2015, the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) and the then Minister for Veterans’ Affairs both endorsed the blueprint.

This resulted in the creation of the ATDP.

To date the program has implemented:

  • an Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) accredited national advocacy training program
  • a regional management structure
  • a continuing professional development program
  • a searchable register of ESOs with accredited advocates
  • a single learning pathway
  • support for a community practice model to link advocates, across the advocate’s ESO and geographical location
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Contact the ATDP

The ATDP website contains all up to date information about the program:

To contact the ATDP you can:

Advocacy News

Advocacy News provides updates on the ATDP and articles relevant to ESOs and the advocacy community.

You can view the newsletters on the home page of the ATDP website.

Email ATDP.Communications [at] dva.gov.au to subscribe to their newsletter.

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