On 27 November 2019, the Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on Autism to inquire into and report on the services, support and life outcomes for autistic people.

The committee is to present its final report on or before the first sitting day of October 2021.

The closing date for submissions is 14 April 2020. On 24 March 2020, the committee agreed to extend the submission due date until 17 July 2020. The committee has also published a Statement on Submissions. 

Following a resolution of the committee on 2 February 2021, and in accordance with the motion agreed by the Senate on 23 March 2020, the reporting date for the inquiry has been extended to the last sitting day of March 2022.

The terms of reference require the committee to focus its attention on productive and meaningful ways to improve services and support for autistic people in the areas of education, healthcare, employment, housing, justice and rights.

Submissions that reference a link between vaccinations and autism, as well as cures for autism fall outside the terms of reference and will not be considered during this inquiry.

The committee may decide not to accept or not to publish material that is not relevant to the inquiry's terms of reference.

The select committee concluded its inquiry when it tabled its report on 25 March 2022.