South Australian government creates national-first role for autism

A new role has been created in South Australia to reframe autism as an opportunity, rather than a disability, with the state government introducing a national-first Assistant Minister for Autism.

Emily Bourke, who is also Assistant Minister to the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, has been appointed to the role.

Premier Malinauskas says he wants the state to lead the way when it comes to engaging with people who are neurodiverse.

“I have heard from many South Australians that the time has come for a dedicated effort from government to make autism a priority,” the Premier said in a statement. “That is why we have created this new role.”

“We have made major commitments with the aim of implementing a whole-of-government autism inclusion strategy, starting with our schools.”

Ms Bourke will establish an Autism Education Advisory Group, with members to include people with autism and their family members, subject matter experts, community stakeholders and unions. The group will provide consultation on policies.

Ms Bourke will also help to develop a State Autism Strategy to operate alongside the State Disability Plan. In addition, all government agencies will be required to sign up to an autism-friendly charter.

Autism is the largest primary disability group in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and South Australia sits above the national average, with autism recognised as the primary disability of 39 per cent of NDIS participants in the state.

The South Australian government has committed $28.8 million to appointing an autism lead teacher in every public primary school. It will also aim to increase the number of pre-school staff who have autism-specific qualifications, and offer increased early intervention support in children’s centres.

Meanwhile, in national news, practitioners, people with autism and other stakeholders are invited to review and provide feedback on the National Guideline for supporting autistic children and their families. The Guideline supports the learning, participation and wellbeing of children with autism and their families in Australia. Feedback can be provided until 29 August.