The Wales Green Party is deeply disappointed at the Assembly's opposition to enacting an Autism Act for Wales. The Senedd voted 27-24 against the motion and the autism community are left waiting for assurances that autism will be treated with the seriousness it warrants.
Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat and Education Secretary in the Welsh Assembly, opposed the motion despite the Welsh Liberal Democrats manifesto promising: “An Autism Bill, to meet the needs of autistic people for the next Assembly term and beyond.”
Every Labour Party Assembly Member in attendance voted against the motion.
Alice Hooker-Stroud, Leader of the Wales Green Party said:
“I am surprised to see Kirsty Williams’ u-turn on this Act. It harks back to Nick Clegg and the Tories in Westminster, going back on promises made to Lib Dem voters.
If I had voted for her, I'd be calling for reassurances that she won't allow Welsh Labour to ride roughshod over her promises during the election campaign in return for her cabinet position. I'd be keeping a close eye on her actions in the Senedd in relation to those of Welsh Labour, who have once again showed that they are unwilling to listen to advice from the community most affected by their actions.
The National Autistic Society Cymru, experts, and the autism community have shown overwhelming support for the Act. Welsh Labour's partisanship cannot go unchallenged when it comes at the cost of people in desperate need of recognition and support."
Lisa Rapado, Wales Green Party member and National Autistic Society member added:
“The result of the vote yesterday was beyond disappointing as we see the wait for autism diagnosis taking longer than ever, and ever increasing numbers of families being left with no choice but to home school their children as fewer schools seem able to deal with children on the autism spectrum.
This community has been surveyed about its needs on a regular basis and survey fatigue is setting in with many – it’s past time for the Labour Government to stop the surveys and start delivering. They have proven to be unwilling, but the autism community in Wales will continue to fight for an Autism Act that could do so much good.”
The Wales Green Party pledged to support an Autism Act for Wales in their National Assembly for Wales manifesto and it forms part of their Policies for a Sustainable Society for Wales