BENDIGO autism advocates have urged the state government to listen to their real experiences as it embarks on the first update of Victoria’s Autism Plan since 2009.

They have also called for organisations which use restrictive practices such as restrain and seclusion to be either change their policies, or have no future in the delivery of services for autistic people.

​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.

An Australian chemical manufacturer has rejected calls for a ban or tightening of restrictions around the use of a highly toxic herbicide which poisoned a young man with autism on the New South Wales Central Coast.

Damien Terry, 21, accidently drank the commercial weedkiller — known as paraquat — from a soft drink bottle he found in a disabled toilet at the Mangrove Mountain sports complex in August.

DECLAN MARTIN

State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed believes a new school for autistic children should be considered for the Victorian Government’s Shepparton Education Plan.

Ms Sheed met with Education Minister James Merlino last week following a speech in Parliament during which she asked him to consider providing appropriate services for students with autism spectrum disorder as part of the government’s plan to overhaul education in the region.

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.