What’s happening with Thriving Kids and the NDIS?.

A new support program for young children with developmental delay or autism is due to begin next month, but Queensland has not yet formally signed on.

Thriving Kids, is part of the federal government’s broader changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It is designed to provide support outside the NDIS for children under nine with what the government describes as low to moderate support needs. 

The first stage is scheduled to begin on October 1, with general information and supports such as online resources and phone services. More targeted supports, including therapies delivered through schools, are expected to be introduced progressively, with the program intended to be fully implemented by January 2028. 

Queensland remains the only state or territory yet to formally sign up. 

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has criticised the Queensland government for delaying its commitment, while Queensland's Acting Disability Minister Ros Bates says the state wants more detail about how the program will operate and what it will mean for children and families. 

The disagreement comes as governments across Australia work towards shifting some supports currently delivered through the NDIS into broader systems outside the scheme.

For families, one of the key concerns is what happens when a child no longer meets the eligibility requirements for the NDIS, particularly for children whose support needs sit between what is available through mainstream services and what is covered by the scheme. 

Some disability advocates and families are concerned that the new arrangements may not adequately meet the needs of children with moderate support requirements, while also placing additional pressure on parents to navigate services and supports. 

The changes are part of a much larger transformation of Australia's disability support system. As Thriving Kids begins rolling out, families and disability organizations will be watching closely to see how the new system works in practice and whether children and families can access the support they need.