Rowan Holzberger calls Community Forum

9th June 2026

This is my son Riley, and he is autistic.

I've never publicly named one of my kids before, but this issue is too important not to. When I talk about neurodivergence and the NDIS, I'm often thinking about Riley.

 If these issues matter to you too, I'd like to invite you to a community forum we're hosting at Bethania Community Centre next Tuesday, 16 June.

RSVP TODAY

https://us.list-manage.com/keTsAdRiDLW?e=0cdc292eb3&c2id=612ef3c8dddda1bbad6801f1fa55fe00

Like many neurodivergent people, Riley's autism is both a strength and a challenge.

 It makes him who he is. Bright, funny and interesting. 

And it creates obstacles that don't exist for most people.

 Riley is also why I think so much about the NDIS. 

One of the reasons we never tried to get support for Riley through the NDIS is because I've seen too many people go through enormous anguish trying to navigate it. 

Frankly, we thought the supports he would get wouldn't be worth the heartache. 

Another reason is that I never really thought the NDIS was meant for Riley.

 But these days, I'm not sure where the line should be drawn, and that's part of the problem. 

And now, so many supports outside the NDIS have disappeared that families like ours feel we have no choice but to try to get onto it.

 The NDIS has become the last lifeboat in the ocean. 

Here in Forde, around 4,000 people on the NDIS have autism as their primary disability. 

So if 4,000 autistic people are receiving support through the NDIS, how many more people are out there who need help but aren't getting it? 

And even for people on the NDIS, the level of support varies enormously, even between people with very similar circumstances. 

We've got to do better. 

The reforms to the NDIS are a chance to do better.

We can make the NDIS work properly for the people it was originally designed to support. 

And we can build up supports outside the NDIS for those who don't access it. 

There is a lot of anxiety in the neurodivergent community about these changes.

 I also want to reassure people these reforms are not about removing anyone from the NDIS simply because they are autistic.

 The goal is to make sure people get the support they need.

 For some people that will be through the NDIS.

 For others, it may be through supports outside the NDIS.

 What matters is that people aren't left without support. 

The neurodivergent community is also one of the least-heard communities in our country, and as a Member of Parliament, I need to start by listening.

 That's why I'm hosting this forum. 

Not because I have the answers. 

Because I want to hear from the people who live this every day. 

Autistic people.

 Parents. 

Carers. 

Advocates.

Friends.

We'll be joined by advocates from Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, Legal Aid Queensland and Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia, who will be available to provide information and advice for people navigating the system.

If you're neurodivergent, or care about someone who is, I'd love to see you there

Bethania Community Centre

Tuesday 16th June

Informal catch-up from 12:30pm

Forum from 1:00pm to 2:00pm

The forum will:    

•      Bring people together in a safe and welcoming environment.      
•      Focus on what supports should be available both through and outside the NDIS.      
•      Highlight advocacy services available to assist people navigating the system.

Most importantly, it will give people with lived experience a chance to help shape the conversation about where we go next.

 If you're neurodivergent or care about someone who is, I'd love to see you there. 

Best Regards,

Rowan Holzberger MP

Federal Member for Forde