Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) sent feedback on FaHCSIA's Draft Proposed National Framework for Reducing the Use of Restrictive Practices in the Disability Service Sector (see http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/pu…).

The main points in A4's feedback were:

A4 sent a submission to the the Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia (see http://www.mckeonreview.org.au/).

The submission suggests that research funding has a greater chance of having more impact when it is addresses health issues with higher "burden of disease and injury". It mentions that autism has a high burden for children (highest for boys), based on the available evidence ... yet very little of Australia's health and medical research funding is spent on autism.

The Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs omitted a submission from A4 to its Inquiry into Commonwealth funding and administration of mental health services. The Committee's final report does not mention autism at all ... it does not acknowledge that it received a submission from A4.

The Australian Federal Government is creating another National Disability Strategy (see http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/nds.htm).

The consultation was spectacularly short … about 6 weeks. The government launched its discussion paper on 17th October 2008. The closing date for comments was 1st December.

On 21/5, a Senate Committee wrote to A4 …

The Senate has referred to the Committee matters relating to Special Disability Trusts for inquiry and report by 18 September 2008. The terms of reference for the inquiry are attached and are also accessible on the Committee's website at www.aph.gov.au/senate_ca as well as Part 3.18A of the Social Security Act 1991 referred to in the terms of reference.