ACT launches dedicated autism and neurodiversity minister, community urges real action
The ACT government created a new ministerial portfolio for disability, autism and neurodiversity, a first in Australia, and neurodivergent groups welcomed it while calling for concrete support measures.
After Yvette Berry's resignation, the ACT cabinet appointed Suzanne Orr as Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity, marking the territory as the first Australian region to explicitly include neurodiversity in a ministerial title and the second to feature autism after South Australia's 2022 assistant minister. Autism Spectrum Australia chief Jacqui Borland said the role should raise awareness and lead to better outcomes in education, health, employment and inclusion.
Autistic therapist Jacqueline Gibb welcomed the portfolio but warned that separating autism from neurodiversity must result in tangible changes and stronger collaboration with autistic-led groups such as Actually Autistic Canberra. Orr highlighted a forthcoming neurodiversity strategy and the rollout of the federal Thriving Kids model, intended to shift children with mild to moderate developmental delays from the NDIS, though community members voiced concerns about its design and potential service gaps. The minister has already convened roundtables with providers, advocates and families and pledged continued consultation as the program is implemented.
Why it matters
It signals a new governmental focus on autism and neurodiversity, affecting services for thousands of neurodivergent residents.
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