I am proud to have established and Chaired the Parliament’s first Senate Select Committee for Autism.
I established this committee to focus the Parliament’s attention on productive and meaningful ways to improve services and support for autistic people in the areas of education, healthcare, employment, housing, justice and rights – and how it all ties in with the NDIS.
I knew going into this what all parents of children with Autism already know: Life outcomes for autistic Australians are unacceptably poor. This comes at an enormous personal, social and economic cost. Meaningful systemic changes would have an enormous impact.
The report found just that, and produced a raft of recommendations. That’s the first step. One by one, I am committed to seeing the lives of autistic Australians and those of their families are valued and supported, so they can reach their full potential. Equity is essential.
