Today in Parliament, Abigail passed a motion welcoming the National Autism Strategy and urging full funding, accountability, and a state wide plan to improve outcomes for autistic people.
Abigail said:
I move:
(1) That this House welcomes the launch of the National Autism Strategy and corresponding action plan, which finally brings Australia into line with many other countries that have long had national autism strategies, to drive progress in creating a safe and inclusive society for all autistic people.
(2) That this House notes that:
- the success of any government strategy depends on robust and consistent implementation of targeted actions which must be fully funded, delivered in ongoing co-design with people with lived experience and underpinned by strong accountability measures;
- People with Disability Australia has cautioned that the strategy must be matched by fully funded long‑term action plans that are both autistic-led and compliant with the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and
- South Australia and Victoria are the only jurisdictions with autism strategies, while the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia have taken steps to create similar strategies to complement the National Autism Strategy.
(3) That this House calls on the Government to commit to developing a state wide plan for improving outcomes for the autistic community across health, education and employment, as well as diagnosis, services and support systems, that is neuro‑affirming, human rights based and co-designed with autistic people.
Motion agreed to.
Read the transcript in Hansard here.
12 February 2025