AHA|SA Serves Up Inclusive Change to SA’s Hospitality Industry

BY EMILY BOURKE MLC - ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PREMIER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AUTISM

In an industry first, the SA Australian Hotels Association is funding a fulltime Autism Liaison Officer to help build knowledge and create a more inclusive environment in the state’s hospitality industry.

Following the success of Gather Round and State Government autism initiatives, now is the time for hospitality businesses to become more inclusive for all patrons.

The lack of community knowledge of autism and challenges relating to employment was continuously raised by the autistic and autism communities during the Malinauskas Labor Government’s 12-week consultation period on the State’s first Autism Strategy.

The full time Autism Liaison Officer will be employed through Autism SA and tasked with training staff on autism inclusive practices for patrons and provide support to autistic employees in the workforce – helping staff, employers and patrons enjoy South Australia’s renowned hospitality industry.

Autistic individuals who are passionate about building a more inclusive hospitality industry are strongly recommended apply for this ground-breaking role via seek.com.au or Autism SA’s website today.

BACKGROUND

Autism is a neurological difference in the way that individuals experience and respond to the world around them. There is not one singular way that Autistic people* experience the world.

That’s why the term ‘spectrum’ is often used – to reflect the fact that every individual’s lived experience of autism is different. Over 200,000 Australians are Autistic. 1 in 4 Australians has an autistic family member.

Autism is also the largest primary disability group in the NDIS, and South Australia sits above the national average, with 40% of South Australian NDIS participants having autism.

Currently, Autistic people are half as likely to complete year 10 than the general population, and three times more likely to be unemployed than other people with disabilities.

“For many, a job in the hospitality industry is their first entrance into the workforce.

Having an Autism Liaison Officer available to help build knowledge in our pubs, clubs and bars will not only help autistic patrons, it will also equip staff with the inclusive practices that will extend beyond their jobs and into their everyday lives.

It is great to see private industries, like the AHA, working side by side with the Malinauskas Labor Government in our commitment to support South Australia’s autistic and autism communities.

Everybody has the right to enjoy South Australia’s world-renowned hospitality industry – be that to enjoy the popular pub schnitzel or to celebrate a special event with family and friends.” - Emily Burke MLC, Assistant Minister to the Premier and Assistant Minister for Autism

“We are just so excited and proud to be working with state government and Autism SA in this ground breaking initiative.

It is well known that pubs are a reflection of our community – a place where people come together to congregate, celebrate and commiserate - and it is important that this is true for as many as possible.

This initiative will go a long way to ensuring that an even greater cross section of individuals and families within our communities can enjoy the outstanding hospitality that hotels across this state offer.” - Anna Moeller, CEO AHA|SA

“I’m incredibly excited to be working with the Australian Hotels Association to provide inclusive workplaces for autistic people and inclusive venues for the autistic and autism community, especially families.

I am proud to be able to offer such a unique role in the Autism Liaison Officer,and look forward to seeing the change this person will bring. Their work will open up hospitality venues to people who may otherwise have felt excluded.” - Helen Graham, CEO AUTISM SA

*This story uses identity-first language throughout. We recognise there are people in the autistic community who prefer person-first language and people who use the terms interchangeably.