Your vote matters: autism priorities for the 2026 Victorian state election

This is a time of big change. Thriving Kids and new Foundational Supports are being rolled out, and many families are unsure what this means for them. At the same time, many Autistic Victorians still face barriers in education, health, employment and community life.

That’s why Amaze has joined with Autism Valued, Different Journeys, I CAN Network and Yellow Ladybugs to ask the next Victorian Government to commit to five priorities.

Our five priorities

1. A new Victorian Autism Plan, embedded in a Victorian Autism Act Victoria’s current Autism Plan has made progress. A renewed plan, backed by law, would secure long-term commitment and funded action across government.
2. A renewed Autism Education Strategy and a dedicated School Can’t Action Plan Every Autistic student deserves a school that works for them. Students experiencing school can’t need early, coordinated support.
3. A cohesive Foundational Supports system, with immediate investment in an autism-capable, neuro-affirming workforce to deliver Thriving Kids Children and families need timely, trusted support, with clear pathways so no one falls through the gaps during the roll out.
4. A Victorian roadmap to improve the physical and mental health of Autistic Victorians This includes better coordination between health, mental health and disability services, and piloting autism-accessible one-stop healthcare clinics, starting in regional and rural areas.
5. A coordinated approach to Autistic employment This means helping employers value Autistic talent, making workplace adjustments easier to access, and reducing the pressure to disclose.

Read the platform summary (PDF)

Want more detail? Read the full election platform (PDF), with all our recommendations and the actions needed to deliver them.

Amaze does not support any political party or candidate. We want every elected member of parliament to hear from Autistic Victorians and their families.

Ask your MP and candidates

Contacting your local MP and election candidates is one of the most powerful things you can do this election. You don’t need to be a policy expert. Your lived experience is valuable.

Send an email

Write your own, or use our email template. Adding your own experience can make a powerful difference. You could:

• share a brief personal experience or challenge
• explain why autism policy matters to you or your family
• ask whether they support the five priorities
• ask them to reply with their position

Find who to contact

• Your current MPs: use the Parliament of Victoria member search. Search by ‘Location’, then type your suburb or postcode.
• Your candidates: these will be listed on the VEC website once nominations close on Monday 9 November.

Other ways to have your say

You can also ask for a short meeting, or go to a local candidate forum or campaign event. If you need adjustments to take part, contact the organisers beforehand.

A few tips
Be respectful, even if you disagree. Focus on issues rather than people. Only share what you’re comfortable sharing.

If they reply
Thank them, ask questions if anything is unclear, and encourage them to publicly support these priorities.

Every message counts
MPs and candidates pay attention when they hear from people in their own community. One email from you can help put autism on their agenda this election.

Use our email template (Word) to get started.