Morning Tea in Support of Autism Queensland for the Creative Futures Recognition Awards Ceremony

Minister O’Rourke, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House.

It has become an annual tradition at this time of year, in anticipation of International Day of People With Disability, to present the awards to the recipients of the Autism Queensland Creative Futures Awards, and it is an event that we look forward to with great pleasure. 

Today is an opportunity to celebrate the triumphs and successes which have brought you here.

People living with ASD can find it hard to make sense of the world. And so this morning we acknowledge, with gratitude, the people who help them to make sense of that world – the community organisations, the businesses, the schools, and the parents and carers.

Autism Queensland does a magnificent job in providing information, specialist advice and education to the thousands of people who access their services. 

Today we also acknowledge with appreciation the businesses and organisations with an inclusive hiring policy. This has enormous advantages for both employer and employee, and recognises the valuable contribution that people with autism make to the economy and the community.

We also recognise the support given by the education sector – a caring and understanding teacher can literally be a lifesaver to a family with a child on the spectrum. 

And today we also particularly recognise the parents and carers – not only those receiving an award today, but all parents and carers of children living with ASD.

Theirs is a demanding job.

Sometimes it is hard.

Sometimes it is overwhelming.

And because ASD is an unseen disability, many families have had to deal with negative community reaction, and unthinking disapproval from those who have never had to walk their path. 

But the amazing support they provide to their children is unflagging, and in the words of a parent, "The struggles make the triumphs even greater." 

As a society, understanding is growing about ASD, and I trust that future families will find their path that little bit easier because of that.

This greater understanding has been fostered through the work of families, and organisations such as Autism Queensland, but above all through the actions and efforts of people on the spectrum such as those whom we celebrate this morning. Their strength and achievements are inspirational. 

I congratulate them, and all the award winners, and thank you all for joining us at Government House today.