Autism Services

In reply to the Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO ().21 March 2023).

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: The Malinauskas Labor government is committed to making South Australia a leader on autism inclusion.

One of these commitments is to work side by side with the autistic and autism communities in developing our state's first Autism Strategy. From the extended 12-week consultation period we received more than 1,000 YourSAy submissions, receiving feedback on a range of concerns, challenges and areas of greater need.

I look forward to continuing to work with the minister and Department of Human Services in collating all of this feedback and I look forward to the delivery of the state's first Autism Strategy—a document that will not just sit on a shelf, but will help guide future autism policies.

The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has also advised the Malinauskas Labor government has worked in partnership with the commonwealth government to offer 112,500 fee free TAFE and VET places, including for courses in allied health, mental health and nursing. The minister has also advised that a memorandum of intent between the state government and South Australia's three universities will provide greater opportunities for allied health students to undertake practical work experience in our public schools.