Communications about autism and autistic people

On 2/2/2018, A4 received a letter dated 25/1/2018 (link to PDF below) from an NDIA official asking to meet with A4.

The meeting was held on 30/1/2018 (before A4 received the written request - it was organised by phone and email).

Note that the letter says the purpose of the meeting was "to discuss your [A4's] concerns".

Read more about MC18-000018 - NDIA meeting request

Dear Minister and Assistant Minister

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as A4, recently received a very inadequate response (MC17-001434) to our emails to you dated 5/11/2017 and 11/12/2017. Our emails to you expressed extensive concerns about the NDIS and specifically its approach to early intervention for autistic children.

Ms Christine Faulkner, General Manager of the NDIS, says: “The Assistant Minister has asked me to reply to you on her behalf”.

The result must be so disheartening for you. Ms Faulkner’s response to us, on your behalf, is so disappointing for a collection of reasons.

A response (of sorts) to this letter can be seen at http://a4.org.au/node/1654 (it is also very disappointing).

Read more about disappointing NDIS response on early intervention for autistic children

MC17-001434

There are supports that are unable to be provided under the NDIS, as they are the responsibility of other service systems. These systems and their responsibilities are outlined in the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Principles to Determine the Responsibility of the NDIS and other Service Systems. These principles were agreed to by respective jurisdictions and the Commonwealth. More information about the COAG principles that govern the NDIS can be found at: www.coag.gov.au.

Read more about Government's response on NDIS and early intervention for autistic children 20/12/2017

Dear The Hon Jane Prentice MP

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as A4, recently received a copy of a letter (MC17-001051, 16/11/2017) that you sent to Ms Prue Car MP. The Hon Ms Car MP passed the letter on to her constituents. Eventually, A4 received a copy.

Your letter said ...

Read more about how broken is Government policy on early intervention for ASD?

Dear The Hon. Mr Porter MP

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (known as A4) has growing concerns over the operation of the NDIS in regard to early intervention for autistic children[1]. A4 received reliable reports about the NDIS’s approach.

Read more about The NDIS and early intervention for autistic children

Dear Mr Garton

I received a letter on the 20/3/2017 (see below) that said you (the NDIA) would "be in contact to arrange a suitable meeting time and date in the week beginning the 19^th June 2017" (see also, http://a4.org.au/node/1438). As yet, I have not heard from you. Is there any progress towards arranging this meeting?

Bob Buckley

Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)

Read more about email to NDIA 23/11/2017

Below is a link to a response on behalf of The Hon Christian Porter MP, Minister for Social Security, to A4's concerns about the lack of autistic representation on the NDIA's Independent Advisory Council (IAC).

The Government's response is very disappointing.

Read more about MC17-009292 - response on NDIS Independent Advisory Council

The Hon Christian Porter MP
Minister for Social Services
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600

cc: The Hon Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services; Mr Alastair McEwin, Disability Discrimination Commissioner; Mr David Bowen, NDIA CEO; Dr Helen Nugent AO, Chair of the NDIA Board.

Dear The Hon. C. Porter MP