The conversation about work, inclusion and talent took a practical turn in Adelaide today, with business leaders from across South Australia gathering to reimagine how recruitment can better reflect the state’s diversity. The Autism Works Employment Summit, the first of its kind in the state, invited representatives from defence, property, IT, tourism and other industries to consider the barriers autistic South Australians still face and what can be done about them.
The event, hosted at the Adelaide Convention Centre, wasn’t just about ideas. It was about plans, programs and, crucially, people. With unemployment among autistic Australians sitting around 34 per cent, there’s a clear gap between ability and opportunity. This figure, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, shows that autistic people face one of the highest unemployment rates in the country—more than three times the rate for people with disability generally, and almost six times that of people without disability.
What’s striking is that the gap persists despite the fact many employers openly say they want more reliable, focused and creative workers—qualities autistic employees are frequently recognised for. Skills like strong attention to detail, sustained focus, and unconventional thinking were front and centre today, not as rare bonuses but as standard capabilities that autistic individuals bring to the table. The Summit aimed to connect those dots—between the skills available and the businesses that need them.
The event is part of a broader effort by the South Australian Government to put inclusion into action. The Office for Autism, set up under the Malinauskas Government as part of a wider State Autism Strategy, is leading that work. It’s not about ticking boxes or filling quotas—it’s about long-term outcomes that benefit both individuals and industries. Attendees of the Summit took part in autism awareness training designed to build knowledge and confidence across organisations. The aim is to shift assumptions and habits, to make it easier for autistic workers to be hired and supported, and for managers to understand how to create environments where talent isn’t wasted.
Emily Bourke, Assistant Minister for Autism, made it clear that South Australia intends to lead on this front. In her words, bringing people together today was about setting a practical framework so that employers can act, not just talk. She pointed to the State Government’s ongoing campaign, Autism Works, which has been rolled out on billboards, bus stops and stadium screens during major events like Gather Round. The campaign’s visibility is one thing, but what matters now is what comes next.
That next step includes grants. The Government’s ‘Autism Works in the Community’ grants program is now open again, with funding available for employers looking to improve training, buy equipment or redesign spaces to support autistic workers. The grants are intended to take some of the pressure off smaller organisations and to show that inclusion doesn’t have to come at the expense of productivity or business outcomes. Quite the opposite.
Today’s Summit featured several of last year’s grant recipients who shared how they’ve used the funding to make meaningful changes. One example was the new sensory space at Adelaide Oval—a quiet area designed to support neurodivergent visitors, showing how public venues can become more welcoming without losing their edge. Another standout was the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, which unveiled a new Hidden Disabilities fire truck during the event. Its bright green wrap with sunflower symbols sends a clear message: differences are recognised here, and inclusion travels beyond the office.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, which started in the UK and has gained traction globally, provides a discreet way for people to signal they may need extra support. Whether it’s staff trained in autism awareness or spaces tailored to reduce sensory overload, these sorts of measures can turn an overwhelming environment into an accessible one. By putting this symbol on a fire truck, South Australia isn’t just backing the campaign—it’s embedding the message into public services.
Today’s discussions weren’t only about the public sector. Private industry took a front seat too, with speakers and panellists from across key sectors sharing where things are working and where they’re still stuck. While some large employers are beginning to change their recruitment processes—moving away from rigid interviews and toward practical assessments—others are just starting to learn what inclusion could look like on their floor or worksite. That’s where the Summit played a vital role: creating space for honest questions and useful answers.
One of the strengths of the Autism Works initiative is that it doesn’t assume a one-size-fits-all fix. Instead, it puts the focus on listening, adapting and investing where it matters. For some workplaces, that might mean sensory-friendly lights or noise-cancelling tools. For others, it could be about rethinking shift structures or providing communication training for managers. What emerged clearly today is that inclusion isn’t a checklist—it’s a culture.
South Australia’s approach sets it apart from other states that may have inclusion strategies but lack the infrastructure to follow through. The Office for Autism has a job to do beyond today’s Summit: rolling out training, monitoring outcomes, and continuing to work across government and industry to keep this momentum going.
Emily Bourke reinforced that this isn’t just a campaign for now—it’s a direction of travel. She spoke about how securing and maintaining meaningful work is one of the most important ways to improve the lives of autistic people. For those who have been repeatedly overlooked in job searches or misunderstood once hired, change can’t come soon enough.
While a single day can’t solve a structural issue like underemployment, the Autism Works Summit did set a tone—one that feels more grounded than grand. It acknowledged that the barriers facing autistic workers are real but not immovable. And it made clear that the solutions aren’t theoretical—they’re available, practical and, in many cases, already underway.
With a strong visual campaign, a clear set of grants and policies, and a growing list of employers ready to learn, South Australia is giving itself a decent shot at becoming a genuinely inclusive place to work. The next challenge will be keeping that energy going after the headlines fade and ensuring that the changes discussed today translate into everyday hiring decisions.
The idea isn’t to fix autistic people to fit a system that doesn’t work for them. It’s about fixing the system so more people—autistic or otherwise—can show up, contribute and succeed. That shift may take time, but the crowd in Adelaide today seemed ready to make it happen.
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🤝Business leaders gathered in #Adelaide for SA’s first Autism Works Employment Summit.🎯Focus was on inclusive hiring, practical trnng & employer grants.💼Emily Bourke stressed action over talk to reduce autistic unemployment.🌟 #TheIndianSun @ABSStatshttps://t.co/ni9KaFaauq
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