Try Before You Fly

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:21): My question is to the Minister for Autism. Can the minister tell the council about the recent launch of the Try Before You Fly program?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:21): I thank the honourable member for his interest in this space and this portfolio. When it comes to autism and inclusion, South Australia continues to lead the way. In a nation first, the Try Before You Fly program was officially launched on Saturday 31 May right here in South Australia at the Adelaide Airport.

This program provides participants with the chance to experience each step of the flying process, from booking and checking in, to security, boarding and settling into the seats on the aircraft, all without the plane ever leaving the tarmac. It is my understanding that all staff and volunteers in the program have undergone access and inclusion training provided by What Ability, including practical scenario-based experiences.

This experience has been designed to help ease anxiety or uncertainty about flying, something I am sure many can relate to. It is about providing confidence and comfort, not just for participants but for their families too. The design of the program means success isn't about completing every step; it is about progress, however big or small. This initiative aligns with our government's vision as the autism inclusive state and it clearly demonstrates how inclusive design and thoughtful collaboration can break down barriers and open up possibilities.

Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have partnered together to launch this nation-leading program. In the two successful trials of this program almost half the participants have gone on to fly for the first time—people like Kerry, who provided this feedback:

We participated in the very first trial…changed our lives as a family. We then went on our daughter's first flight to Melbourne…such a successful trip. Never would have happened without this experience first!

At the official launch on the weekend, the Try Before You Fly program welcomed their 200^th guest, marking a significant step in making air travel more accessible to all Australians. Adelaide Airport is also a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, where airport staff are trained to recognise the sunflower lanyard and provide extra help, guidance or time when the airport process is a little overwhelming for an individual.

The Malinauskas Labor government is proud to see this program build on what we have already been able to achieve as a government. We want to build more knowledge and create more accessible spaces so that people can experience an inclusive state. Saturday's launch was not just a celebration of new initiatives, it was a celebration of belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world. To everyone who played a part—thank you—and to those considering joining the program in the future, please reach out to Adelaide Airport to register for the next session.

This incredible program enabled us to see a demonstration of what happens when you make accessible spaces. The government has already seen and heard firsthand when you have family members who are unable to participate as a family unit because someone needs to stay at home while the rest of the family go off on an adventure: it could be going to the football or going on a plane and travelling to see family and friends or to seek employment opportunities. What we were seeing is that barriers were in place because of the unknown.

The Try Before You Fly program is really important because it takes away those barriers. It takes away those uncertainties so that people can learn more about what they can expect, because we want families to be able to go as a unit to travel interstate, we want members to be able to go and see friends, but we also want to make sure that people can have employment opportunities because the fear of flying is no longer there.