The following list shows A4's recent advocacy. This list contains both publications (including briefs and submissions) and communications (letters & emails).

To find a (free) disability advocate to help you, try:

NDIS data show declining autism diagnoses in young Australians

By convenor |

The proportion of young children (age 0 to 6 years) diagnosed with autism in the NDIS has declined significantly since the full roll-out of the NDIS. The number of autistic NDIS participants aged 0-6 years old in the NDIS decreased 32% in the 2 years from 30/9/2022 to 30/9/2024.

The following chart shows the number of children in the NDIS with different types of "primary disability" according to data published by the NDIS on their website. 

Updated data ... Dec 2024

2024 - Making an effective National Autism Strategy; sector expectations and requirements

By convenor |

Bob Buckley provided the submission below to the Oversight Committee of the National Autism Strategy (NAS) and the relevant Ministers. 

It was written quickly ... with less consultation than is ideal. While it's his submission, a summary of the issues raised was shared with A4's Management Group who provided input towards the submission.

A4 provided detailed commenatry on parts of the Health working group's draft Health Roadmap for Autism. 

A4's response to the draft National Autism Strategy - abundant opportunity for improvement

By convenor |

The Department of Social Security is charged with managing the development of Australia's National Autism  Strategy.

The consultation process for the first draft strategy has closed -  see https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/

A4's "silver buckshot" response to the draft National Autism Strategy prepared by DSS staff is available from the links below.

Minister Rishworth: autism-related issues and concerns

By convenor |

Subject:meeting request - autism-related issues and concerns

Date:Mon, 4 Mar 2024 12:13:40 +1100

From:Bob Buckley (Co-convenor) <convenor@a4.org.au>

To:Amanda.Rishworth.MP@aph.gov.au

Dear Minister Rishworth

please find attached a letter from our disability representative organisation (DRO) for autism requesting a meeting to discuss our serious concerns about policies and programs for autistic Australians.