The Australian Government has announced the National Autism Strategy Reference Group. The Reference Group is co-chaired by Chris Varney, a dedicated advocate with lived experience. Eight community representatives have been appointed.
The Reference Group will make sure the experiences and expertise of the Autistic and autism community continue to shape policy and programs. The work includes:
- the implementation of the National Autism Strategy 2025-31 (the Strategy)
- work done under the First Action Plan 2025-26 (the Action Plan)
- helping to guide evaluation of the progress and impact of the Strategy.
The Reference Group held its first formal meeting on 23 February 2026. The focus of the meeting was to discuss:
- the role of the group
- the year ahead
- updates on the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan to date.
Six representatives from the Autistic community and 2 Autistic individuals from the research and professional sector have been appointed. They will work alongside 6 representatives from relevant Commonwealth agencies. This includes a Co-Chair from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The newly appointed Reference Group members are:
- Mr Chris Varney (Co-Chair)
- Mx Ebe Ganon (Community representative)
- Ms Ashley Liang (Community representative)
- Ms Clarisse Pilbeam (Community representative)
- Ms Geraldine Roberston (Community representative)
- Mrs Teesha Scott (Community representative)
- Dr Bianca Calabria (Research/professional sector representative)
- Ms Tammy Freeman (Research/professional sector representative).
The appointments were made through a national Expression of Interest process. The Government consulted with peak bodies across the disability and autism communities. The community members reflect the diversity of the Autistic community, including priority cohorts in the Strategy.
For further information about the Reference Group and the Strategy and Action Plan please visit: National Autism Strategy.