What you need to know about the Government's 'Thriving Kids' program

Yesterday the Australian Government announced a new program to support young children with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, in a bid to reduce strain on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

The program, ‘Thriving Kids’, is set to roll out from 1 July 2026, after which access and eligibility changes will be made. 

In his National Press Club address yesterday, The Hon Mark Butler MP identified two substantial issues for NDIS reform.  

First, the need to return the scheme to its original purpose - the provision of support 'to people with significant and permanent care and support needs'. And second, ensuring the scheme becomes sustainable from a Budget perspective.   

Minister Butler stated half of new NDIS entrants are under the age of nine, most of whom have developmental delay or autism and are entering the scheme under the early intervention stream. He argued that these participants are then on a scheme set up for permanent disability. 

Around one in five young children experience developmental delay or autism, mostly at mild to moderate levels. The Government argues this is a broad-based issue that should be supported by mainstream services. 

The Thriving Kids program will be funded equally between the States and the Commonwealth.  There is a $2 billion provision in the budget for the Commonwealth’s share. 

The APS remains committed to participating in reforms to protect the sustainability and effectiveness of the NDIS. Throughout this period of change in the NDIS, we will continue to advocate for the role of psychologists within the NDIS, and other newly developed foundational supports, including Thriving Kids and psychosocial therapy services. We will focus on balancing the need for financial sustainability with good decision-making, evidence-based practice, collaboration with providers and, ultimately, positive outcomes for participants. 

The APS would like to thank all members of our NDIS Working Group for their contributions to our ongoing advocacy for the role of psychologists within the NDIS.