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🇦🇺 Australia /Elections & Politics

ACT's neurodiverse community cautiously welcomes dedicated autism minister

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The ACT government has created a dedicated autism and neurodiversity ministerial portfolio, with Suzanne Orr appointed as the new Minister.
  • The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to include neurodiversity in a ministerial portfolio.
  • Support organizations welcome the move but urge the government to partner with the autistic community for practical improvements.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has established a dedicated ministerial portfolio for autism and neurodiversity, a move welcomed by support organizations as a significant step toward greater visibility and inclusion.

That's important because the understanding that will grow will be of the diversity of autistic experience and the barriers that people can face in everyday life.

— Jacqui BorlandOn the significance of the new ministerial portfolio.

Following a cabinet reshuffle, Suzanne Orr has been appointed as the Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity. This makes the ACT the first Australian jurisdiction to create such a portfolio, with South Australia having previously established an assistant minister for autism in 2022.

Of course, the understanding is one thing, but then what we hope we would see would be a translation then into practical improvements that help to make life more accessible and inclusive for autistic and neurodivergent people and their families.

— Jacqui BorlandExpressing expectations for the new role.

Jacqui Borland, chief executive of Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT), stated that the new position is crucial for increasing the visibility of autism within the ACT government and the broader community. She expressed hope that the role will translate into tangible improvements in education, healthcare, employment, and overall inclusion for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families.

But if it leads to real-world changes for autistic people and other people with different neurodivergences, then I'm all for it.

— Jacqueline GibbOn her cautious welcome of the new portfolio.

Neurodivergent therapist Jacqueline Gibb, who is autistic herself, also welcomed the creation of the portfolio but voiced a note of caution. She emphasized the need for genuine partnerships between the government and the autistic community, including autistic professionals. Gibb highlighted the exhaustion felt by the neurodivergent community in Canberra due to constant advocacy and a perceived lack of being heard. She stressed that real-world changes and the creation of autistic-led spaces are essential for the community's well-being and success.

I would love for them to have actual partnerships with autistic people, with the autistic community.

— Jacqueline GibbAdvocating for community involvement in policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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