Ms ROSOL – We were just talking about autism earlier, and I do have a question about Autism Tasmania, because I think we’re all aware that their funding ceased on 30 June and it’s left an enormous hole for many Tasmanians who relied on their services and support, and I understand that your reasoning around this is that the Tasmania already provides funding to the federal government and then the federal government return that to Tasmania through the NDIS or through ILC grants.
I guess I’m just curious why such an important service; you chose not to fund it, because I’m sure that there’s capacity. We could fund things if we chose to. I’m wondering if you could just explain why you chose not to step in and provide funding there and maybe give an update on what services or other organisations have filled that gap or are filling that gap for people with autism, please.
Ms PALMER – I’m probably a little surprised at your question because I did ring you to step out specifically the reasons why we were in the position that we were in, but I will do my best to answer this question.
Ms ROSOL – Or if you could provide an update on where things are.
Ms PALMER – I will do my best to answer the question respectfully in a public forum. I certainly acknowledge the role that Autism Tasmania has played in supporting many Tasmanians on the autism spectrum and their loved ones.
It’s always a difficult decision and I know it was a difficult decision for Autism Tasmania to enter into administration, and I expressed then that my thoughts were with the staff and the members of the organisation and those who relied on it, who were affected by that decision and the subsequent liquidation of the organisation.
This was not a situation where it was appropriate to step in with any sort of a rescue funding package. The reasons why Autism Tasmania entered into administration are reasons that are best, I think, expressed by Autism Tasmania for the decision it made. When I became aware of the situation, I approached the federal government to look at what appropriate supports could be given to Autism Tasmania. They looked at the situation and also agreed that there were some governance issues and there was not a pathway for funding from the federal government either.
We totally acknowledge that in the advocacy space, there is now a hole for autism across the state. It certainly is not impacting on services for autism, which sit in other portfolios; this is in the advocacy space. I had an online meeting with the Regional Autistic Engagement Network and they have also had discussions with my adviser in my office, to look at what can be done there.
It was great to see that the Premier’s Discretionary Fund was able to provide some quick funds to them, which has been able to assist them in setting up their office – the things that you need, like a phone, a laptop; I think they got a portable screen projector.
We also understand that they have applied for the Commonwealth’s Peer Support and Capacity Building grant round. My understanding is the successful applicants are going to be notified towards the end of this month or the beginning of the next month.
