The recent Federal Court decision in the matter Commissioner of Taxation v Aid/Watch Incorporated 2009 says
that an advocacy and lobbying organisation, such as A4, cannot be seen as a charitable for tax purposes.

Such a decision has major implications about how advocacy groups operate.

Here are some links to commentary on the issue ...

ScienceDaily (Oct. 7, 2009) — In one of the first studies of its kind, an international team of researchers has uncovered a single-letter change in the genetic code that is associated with autism. The finding, published in the journal Nature, implicates a neuronal gene not previously tied to the disorder and more broadly, underscores a role for common DNA variation. In addition, the new research highlights two other regions of the genome, which are likely to contain rare genetic differences that may also influence autism risk.

What to make of the surprising new data.

By Mary Carmichael | Newsweek Web Exclusive

Oct 6, 2009

from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6870232.ece

It may reduce the stigma but it trivialises the learning difficulties and isolation sufferers endure

Michael Fitzpatrick

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http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/lessons-from-the-death-of-a-little-girl-20091006-gl90.html

The Sydney Morning Herald

7 October 2009

Lessons from the death of a little girl

By Kathryn Wicks

Dozens of people have rallied on the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide to demand more support for children with autism.

Some parents cried as they described the emotional and financial toll of finding treatment for their children.

They are lobbying for more State Government money for medical support, to reduce waiting lists and for more special education classes in schools.

Rally organiser Daryl Barkhazen says the children deserve a better deal.

Media Release

BILL SHORTEN MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services
Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Australian Government has given its support to a National Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Register to better track the incidence of the condition in Australia.

Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, today announced the Register at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference 2009.

Verity Edwards, September 14, 2009, from: The Australian

A WORLD-FIRST study on siblings of children with autism is showing that signs associated with the behavioural disorder appear in babies in their first weeks of life.

The Flinders University research is the first of its kind to study the behaviour of infants who have an increased risk of developing autism from as young as 10 days, and to revisit the children every second month until they are 18 months old.

Stuart Rintoul | September 09, 2009, Article from:  The Australian

AN estimated 10 per cent of Australians, or two million people, suffered from two or more disabilities, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

...