Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Too often people living with autism are told about what's missing in their lives. Instead, we should be hearing more from those living with disabilities about genuine pathways and possibilities. I was delighted to recently hear from seven young Australians on the stage at the Randwick Town Hall for the Autism and Me event on 29 April. From the speakers, a consistent message emerged that autism shapes a life and shapes experiences, but it's not a life sentence. I want to congratulate Carlito Green, Noah Finnane, Teo Tissue, Richard Habelrih, Jessica Disalvo, Simon Parkes and Marissa Ely for sharing their dreams and aspirations and highlighting their abilities. We need to hear from more Australians with autism, young and old, so more opportunities in employment and society emerge.

Thank you to Randa Habelrih and Marissa Ely for launching the Autism and Me event. It's a positive platform and a voice for inspiring young Australians like her son Richard. Randa has worked for many years, in our community and across Australia, as a strong and powerful advocate for the rights of those living with disabilities, particularly those with autism. I hope that this Autism and Me event can expand throughout Australia so all Australians can see the great aspirations and dreams of those living with disabilities in our communities.