By Tate Papworth
Claims that people with autism are being housed in prisons have been rubbished by state Housing, Disability and Ageing Minister Martin Foley.
Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn raised the issue in Parliament last week after attending a protest rally created by a group seeking assurances on the future of service provider Autism Plus.
“What I am particularly concerned about is that last night it became clear to me that there are, it would seem, 72 Victorians currently being housed in Victorian prisons simply due to having autism,” Mr Finn said.
“There are 72 people in prisons in Victoria because they have autism and there is nowhere else for them to go. This is a scandal of enormous proportions if true.
“So I am asking the premier, given that those in the autism community have very little faith in Minister Foley, particularly after this massive stuff-up with Autism Plus, to institute a full independent investigation, not just into Autism Plus and the services they provide but also into this allegation that there are 72 people in prisons purely because they have autism.”
Mr Foley labelled the suggestion as ludicrous.
“These comments are disgraceful and Mr Finn should apologise for equating autism with a criminal offence,” he said.
“We don’t lock people away for having autism spectrum disorder – the suggestion that we would is ludicrous.
“There are a number of forensic disability services available for people in the justice system to ensure those with a disability receive appropriate treatment and support while serving their sentence.”
An administrator was appointed to oversee Autism Plus services after concerns were raised regarding its performance. The administrator is undertaking a process to find an alternative provider. The move has led to a number of concerns from parents and carers, who are happy with the service provider, but Mr Foley said the quality of care wouldn’t diminish.
“I want to reassure the families that quality of service and care will continue for their loved ones as we work through this process,” he said.
