State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomes Minister for Social Services of Australia Amanda Rishworth’s release this week of the first National Autism Strategy, a landmark announcement she has been eagerly waiting for and for which she has always advocated.

“This strategy, together with its first action plan, means I now will be able to better encourage a comprehensive response at a regional and state level,” Ms Saffin said.

“There are some telling statistics here; people with autism die sooner, experience mental health problems, and are disadvantaged by massively high figures for unemployment.

“I acknowledge the Founder and Chair of the Northern Rivers Autism Association Limited (NRAA) Micheal Lynch, who with Business NSW’s Regional Director Northern Rivers Jane Laverty, drove local consultations which helped to inform the national strategy.

“Like me, Micheal is very keen to see the first NSW Autism Strategy become a reality.”

You can listen to Micheal Mynch's Talking Lismore podcast discussing the new National Autism Strategy.