The Government is creating an Expert Reference Group in relation to its implementation of a National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Following is some of the initial correspondence.

Dear Minister The Hon Greg Hunt MP

While Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) appreciates the Government's improved provisions for some Australians needing increased support with their mental health, we are concerned that the needs of autistic Australians with mental illness, some those in most need of mental health support, are not being recognised and addressed.

The NDIS responded to A4's FoI request (20/12/2019). The two document can be downloaded from the links below.

A4 had some follow up correspondence with the NDIA about the NDIA's response to A4's email to the Ministers. That correspondence is available at http://a4.org.au/node/1588 and http://a4.org.au/node/1654. The NDIA omits this correspondence from its FoI documents below.

A4 received this response (link to download and accompanying email below) to our DSS FoI request - see https://a4.org.au/node/2155.

Basically, DSS's response below says it has no record of anyone passing A4's letter to the Department (which should mean DSS, the NDIA is "the Agency"), as Assistant Minister Prentice's Office told A4 in an email on 4/12/2017. A Department representative suggested (on the telephone) that A4's letter was sent to the NDIA, not to the Department.

Dear Dr Nugent

Dear FOI Team

Thank you for the information that you provided.

I notice that the document you provided does not include:

1. a record of the ABC's FoI request, and
2. the list of documents in the response.

As they are not in the disclosure log, please would you also provide these documents?