Novita

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (15:30): My question is to the Assistant Minister for Autism on Novita. Have there been any changes or forecast changes to the funding given to Novita since the 2022 election and change of government? Will the rollout of your autism wellbeing and inclusion program impact on Novita's funding and program delivery services?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (15:31): I thank the honourable member for her question. I will have to take that on notice. It is a very open-ended question. I believe there are about 15 government departments, and I can't say off the top of my head how many agencies. If you would like to narrow it down into particular areas with regard to funding, I am happy to do that to speed up the process, but it will take some time with such an open-ended question.

With regard to what we are doing with autism, I believe we have nation-leading policies in South Australia, something that I am very proud of, not only as a Labor member but as a South Australian. We can lead the nation.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I am very, very proud, thank you, the Hon. Ian Hunter, because we are doing something that has never been done before.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Interjections are out of order, even from your own cheer group.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I appreciate that honourable members opposite are very focused on our stakeholders, as am I. I am working very closely with our stakeholders and also with the autistic and autism communities. I appreciate the effort and support they have put in to make sure that this policy can also be successful.

When we work together we can achieve amazing things, as we do on this side of the chamber. We have already seen in a really short period of time, since the creation of my role, a rollout of what I believe to be the nation-leading sized network of autism inclusion teachers. I also believe we have been able to deliver for the very first time an office for autism in South Australia.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I know those opposite don't want to hear about what we are actually achieving in this space. They would prefer to make politics of it, but I would be more than happy to talk about the incredible achievements we are making to support the autistic and autism communities.