The Australian Government is currently seeking expressions of interest from community members to join the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and four working groups. 

The Australian Government has committed to the co-design and development of a National Autism Strategy (Strategy) that is informed by the experiences of autistic people, their families and carers, and those who work to support them. This will involve a comprehensive co-design and national consultation process that will draw in views from the full diversity and representative range of the autistic community and the autism and disability sectors.

The national consultation process and co-design of the Strategy are to be guided by an Oversight Council and assisted by four Working Groups considering:

  1. Social inclusion 
  2. Economic inclusion 
  3. Diagnosis, supports and services 
  4. National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People.

The members of the Oversight Council and the first three Working Groups are to be appointed by the Minister for Social Services, The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, who has overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the Strategy. The National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People Working Group is being established by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. 

In keeping with the Government’s commitment to co-design, the Oversight Council and Working Groups are to have autistic and autism community representation alongside researchers, professionals and government representatives. 

To assist with appointments to the Oversight Council and the first three Working Groups, the Minister has asked a number of organisations to manage an Expression of Interest process. Expressions of Interest are being invited from autistic Australians, the autism community, researchers and professionals. The aim is to have the Oversight Council and Working Groups operating as soon as possible.

Learn more and apply now at: