ASAN AUNZ Media Statement 2 April 2025 Autism in Australian Federal Budget

Media Release

Australian federal budget ASAN AUNZ
Position Statement

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network Australia and New Zealand welcomes investment in the National Autism Strategy, but genuine inclusion requires whole-of-government leadership, investment, and action.

an important step toward RECOGNITION

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand (ASAN AUNZ) acknowledges the Australian Federal Government’s investment in the National Autism Strategy as an important step toward recognising the needs and experiences of Autistic people. But while this funding lays the groundwork, significant gaps remain. A truly inclusive approach requires sustained investment, Autistic-led leadership, and a commitment to addressing broader systemic issues that impact Autistic people beyond the scope of the Strategy.

investment to deliver the national autism strategy

The 2025-26 Federal Budget includes Australia’s first funding package to deliver the National Autism Strategy, signalling recognition of the unique experiences and needs of Autistic people.

The government will invest $42.2 million over five years to deliver the first Autism Strategy Action Plan, with key initiatives including:

  • Peer Support Networks – Nearly $20 million over four years to establish community-led peer support programs. These will be run by Autistic people for Autistic people, offering mentoring, information and emotional support to individuals and families.
  • Research and Practice Translation – $12.2 million for an Autism Centre of
    Excellence to translate evidence into practical supports and services that
    reflect Autistic perspectives and needs.
  • Better Data and Program Evaluation – $3.7 million to evaluate autism programs, and $2.8 million for a national prevalence study. This will guide evidence-based reform.
  • Community Education Campaigns – $900,000 to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote acceptance of Autistic people across Australian society.

This funding supports the delivery of the National Autism Strategy (2025-2031), a co-designed plan focused on inclusion, diagnosis and supports, education, employment and health.

A Promising Start - But More To Be Done

While this is a long-overdue step toward inclusion, Autistic people remain largely invisible across the broader Federal Budget. The Autism Strategy represents progress , but Autistic people are also affected by:

  • A lack of targeted cost-of-living relief
  • No mention of the Disability Royal Commission’s findings
  • Minimal investment in disability housing, education, or employment
  • Mental health reforms missing psychosocial disability support

Autistic advocates are also watching closely as the government proceeds with NDIS reform, including foundational supports, which are yet to be fully defined. It is critical that Autistic people’s needs, especially those not in the NDIS, are included in all disability and mainstream supports.

We call on all Australian governments to commit to fully funding the Autism Strategy over its 7-year life, embed Autistic voices in all reform areas, and deliver a whole-of-government approach to inclusion.

This is a good first step. But inclusion needs more than a strategy – it needs investment, leadership, and action across every part of government.

For media inquiries, please contact comms@asan-aunz.org and operations@asan-aunz.org.