the nature of the impairment and therefore potentially puts decisions by successive governments in breach of s19 of the BORA and s21 of the HRA. What is the situation in other countries? Canada 86. Noting it is often difficult to make direct international comparisons to levels of support (as influenced by tax and social security frameworks in place), two countries New Zealand is often compared to are Canada and Australia. 87. Some states in Canada have models New Zealand could aspire to. In parts of Canada FASD is recognised as a disability and provides access to FASD specialised supports (delivered through a range of research networks, public health and other government providers) such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • physicians and paediatricians speech and language therapists occupational therapists psychologists and psychiatrists physiotherapists social workers educators training for parents and caregivers guidance for a range of front-line workers peer and community support programs, including a much greater level of community living options available than in NZ) online portals transitional programs for young people moving to the next life-stage 88. Canada also has an FASD inter-disciplinary research network leading, producing and sustaining national collaborative research in prevention, diagnosis and intervention practice. 89. Canada also developed guidelines for FASD diagnosis which have been adopted world-wide, including in New Zealand. Australia 90. On 9 September 2019, the Australian Senate referred an inquiry to a select committee into effective approaches to prevention and diagnosis of FASD and strategies for optimising life outcomes for people with FASD. The Committee was due to report back by 15 June 2020 however this appears to be delayed due to COVID-19. 91. This is the second such Inquiry of magnitude in Australia, with the first being in 201217. The 2012 Inquiry led to significant investment in the development and implementation of an FASD Action Plan. The focus of the current Inquiry is on how successful Australia has been in implementing its Action Plan including gaps in ensuring a nationally co-ordinated response and adequacy of funding. 92. There may be some useful approaches arising out of this Inquiry for New Zealand to consider. It is important to reflect on is the seriousness with which the Australian Senate is taking FASD. We 17 FASD: The Hidden Harm 2012 12