The Australian Government has announced a new $2 billion Thriving Kids program, designed to provide foundational supports for children under the age of nine with mild to moderate developmental concerns, including autism.
The initiative, unveiled by Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, Mark Butler, is positioned as a major step toward strengthening early intervention and reducing reliance on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Addressing gaps in early support
For many families, the lack of community-based services has meant the NDIS has become the default pathway for accessing help. The Thriving Kids program aims to change this by creating more accessible options outside the NDIS. It will focus on expanding support systems within schools, health services, and local communities, ensuring children and their families can access help earlier and more consistently.
The program is expected to provide alternatives for children who may not require long-term, intensive support but still benefit from timely and targeted assistance. This includes developmental delays, autism, and related concerns that, if addressed early, can significantly improve outcomes for children as they grow.
National consistency in design
Minister Butler emphasised that Commonwealth leadership in the program’s design would be critical to its success. “National consistency is essential to avoid fragmentation of responsibilities and to make sure children and families can access the same quality of support regardless of where they live,” he said.
The initiative responds to longstanding concerns raised by states and territories about the patchwork of services that currently exists across Australia. By centralising the design of the program while working in partnership with local jurisdictions, the government aims to deliver a system that is equitable, coordinated, and sustainable.
Looking ahead to 2026
The Thriving Kids program is anticipated to roll out from 1 July 2026, with a 12-month period of consultation and planning beforehand. During this time, the government has committed to working with communities, service providers, and families to co-design the program.
This collaborative approach is intended to ensure the program reflects the lived experience of those who will use it and that it can adapt to the diverse needs of children and families across Australia. Sector organisations have already highlighted the importance of embedding opportunities for psychosocial disability supports within the framework, pointing to the potential for greater integration of mental health and developmental services.
A long-term vision
The announcement of Thriving Kids is part of broader efforts to make the NDIS sustainable by reducing growth in participants who could be better supported through foundational systems. By strengthening universal services and creating alternative supports, the government hopes to balance the needs of children and families with the long-term sustainability of the NDIS.
As the design phase begins, the focus will be on ensuring that the program not only provides early and effective intervention, but also builds stronger, more resilient systems that help children thrive.
