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

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National Disability Strategy: discussion paper and response

By convenor |

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.

The nature and impact of caring for family members with a disability in Australia

By bobb |

by Ben Edwards, Daryl J. Higgins, Matthew Gray, Norbert Zmijewski, Marcia Kingston

Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2008.
ISBN 978-1-921414-02-2. ISSN 1447-1469 (Print); 1477-1477 (Online).

Full Report - The nature and impact of caring for family members with a disability in Australia (PDF 3.3 MB)

Senate Inquiry into Special Disability Trusts - final report

By convenor |

The Senate Inquiry into Special Disability Trusts published its report entitled Building trust: Supporting families through Disability Trusts (see http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/disability_trusts/repo…). The report is quite short (56 pages). It provides 14 recommendations.

Special Disability Trusts

By convenor |

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.

Economic Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

By bobb |

This study of the economic costs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Australia has been undertaken for the Autism Early Intervention Outcomes Unit (AEIOU).

The objective of this study is to develop a better understanding of the likely resource cost incurred by people with ASD, their carers, Government and society. The cost-based approach that is employed here seeks to estimate the resources required to deliver services that specifically relate to the condition of ASD.

The Prevalence of Autism in Australia: Can it be established from existing data?

By bobb |

This report was commissioned by the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA). It arose from experience that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was increasing in Australia but there was a lack of evidence on the actual number of affected children, young people and adults across the nation.

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