Micheal Lynch is a man on a mission, a mission to create the first NSW Autism Strategy. It wasn't long ago that Micheal help create the newly formed Northern Rivers Autism Association.

Micheal has autism and is one of the co-chairs of the Lismore City Council Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. He helps with opening and closing all meetings and makes sure everyone is on board with the agenda of that meeting.

Micheal told the Lismore App, "There are not enough support services in our region for autistic people and their families in the regional towns and cities."

This is what motivated him to take on the enormous challenge of lobbying for a NSW Autism Strategy.

"It will help with rolling out better services and support systems for autistic people."

To help Micheal lobby the state government, he enlisted the tireless efforts of State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

"Ms Saffin's role is to make sure that our regional autistic voices get heard and represented appropriately with the roll-out of my proposed NSW Autism strategy and deliver it," Micheal said.

After two years of groundwork, Ms Saffin raised the issue during a sitting of state parliament last week.

I speak in support of local advocates who have long wanted New South Wales to have a holistic approach to autism, preferably with a strategy. Before the March election I signed a pledge to advocate for this because I understand the significant challenges faced by autistic people in our community, particularly in regional areas, and the need for government action and support. In my electorate, the Northern Rivers Autism Association has recently been established with the aim of actively advocating for better opportunities for people with autism. Two years ago, I hosted a roundtable discussion on autism in my office and, from that, the seeds were sown for this advocacy group. I particularly commend the group's president, Micheal Lynch, who has autism, for his persistent efforts in setting up the group.

I raise this issue because the timing is right, as there is a lot happening at the national level and in South Australia in particular. Last year a Senate Select Committee on Autism held an inquiry into services, support and life outcomes for autistic Australians. The committee's report painted a disturbing picture of the challenges faced by autistic people and their families and highlighted an urgent need for reform at State and Federal level. As the report stated, the statistics are stark. Autistic people have a life expectancy more than 20 years shorter than the general population, with more than twice the mortality rate. That is really chilling. The unemployment rate of autistic people is almost eight times that of people without disability, and more than three times the rate of people with disability—in percentage terms, 31.6 per cent nationally.

The inquiry found inclusion of autistic people in the community is poor, with many experiencing loneliness, isolation, exclusion and discrimination. The committee's report made 81 recommendations and identified key areas for action: building understanding of autism within key professions and across the community; improving access to early diagnosis and intervention; improving education, employment and health services for autistic people; improving integration and coordination of services; supporting parents and carers; and establishing a national autism research agenda.

Last December, in response to the select committee's report, the Australian Government announced that it would develop a national autism strategy within 12 months. This strategy, to be co-designed with the autistic community, will drive nationally coordinated action to improve services and support for autistic Australians. Looking at the Senate committee's recommendations, it is clear that reform is needed in the States as well in key policy areas of education, health, housing and justice. I recommend that, before a New South Wales autism strategy is developed, we engage with the Australian Government as it develops a national autism strategy, we consider carefully the Senate committee report recommendations, and we learn directly from the South Australian model, motivations and experience to date, given it is relatively new—that is, South Australia has developed a strategy and they have an Assistant Minister for Autism.

The committee found that the poor understanding of autism within the community and among service providers presents significant barriers to the social and economic inclusion of autistic people and their families. The experiences of autistic children and their families within the education system were deeply troubling, with a lack of appropriate adjustments and high rates of bullying. The committee found there were conflicting views about whether mainstream or autism-specific schools were best and said that parents and carers need more information about options and support. The committee also made recommendations in this area.

The committee recommended a national road map for improving health services for autistic people and an associated mental health plan. I believe we need a wholesale change in the way we respond to and care for mental health first, as we individualise it and do not treat it as a public health issue anywhere in any jurisdiction I know of in Australia. New South Wales does need an autism strategy and, working with the Australian Government, that can happen in the key policy areas of education, health, housing and the justice system. In my electorate, the Northern Rivers Autism Association is well informed and keen to be part of any public consultation. I have quite a bit more to say about this matter, which I will return to in another private member's statement.

With the first step taken, Miceal Lynch is well on the way to making his dream a reality.