New approaches to supporting Queensland's most vulnerable people were discussed at the Combined Advocacy Groups Queensland (CAGQ) Conference in Toowoomba in July (14th & 15th).

The conference, themed "Advocacy into the future", included addresses from Disability Services Queensland Regional Manager Marie New, the Adult Guardian Dianne Pendergast, former Public Advocate Ian Boardman and Queensland Criminal Justice Centre coordinator Sue Gordon.

World-renowned author and creative thinker Gary Bertwistle began the two-day event, encouraging delegates to apply innovation and creative problem-solving in addressing the challenges they face as advocates of vulnerable people in the community.

Host of the conference, The Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC) CEO Dan Toombs said in his opening address that an innovative and courageous approach was necessary for a successful future for advocacy, with justification of government funding being a key issue.

"Maybe it's time to re-invent our organisations and most of all acknowledge that we're custodians of a very important movement. We need to impress upon government the importance of advocacy." He said.

The conference gave an opportunity for advocates from around the state to meet and discuss issues surrounding the provision of advocacy to people with disabilities, the elderly, migrants, indigenous people and other vulnerable people.

Across the various issues discussed, personal responsibility for change and increased cooperation with governments were acknowledged as important to improvement.

The key focus of the conference was on providing the best outcomes for advocacy clients.

Queensland Advocacy Inc. Director Kevin Cocks said it was about the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

"We need to be discerning, but very clear about who we're here for" he said.