Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has encouraged the local community to have their say as part of an inquiry into services for people with autism spectrum disorder.

Mr Bull said the Victorian Parliament’s Family and Community Development Committee was considering the adequacy of existing services as well as those to be provided through the NDIS.

The Inquiry will provide up-to-date information in a range of areas, including:
•    Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in Victoria;
•    The availability and adequacy of services provided by the commonwealth, state and  local governments across health, education, disability, housing, sport and employment services;
•    The adequacy of services to be provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme;
•    Evidence of the social and economic cost of failing to provide adequate services; and
•    The projected demand for services in Victoria.

“I encourage any locals touched by autism to make a submission to this Inquiry,” Mr Bull said.

“It’s important the Committee hears a wide range of views through public hearings and submissions, to gain an in-depth understanding of the issues and how services could be improved.”

Mr Bull said the location of public hearings had not yet been announced, but public submissions could be made until March 18, 2016, online via http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/article/2846