TL;DR

The Australian Government has outlined a new ‘Thriving Kids’ program to provide foundational supports for some children with milder developmental delay or autism outside the NDIS, delivered mainly through schools and community health services. The minister’s target is to have the system operating by July 2026, following consultation. Families and advocates agree the priority is certainty—clear access and timely supports, no matter which system delivers them.

Published: 21 August 2025 • Source: ABC News (Reporter: Nas Campanella)

Executive Summary

‘Thriving Kids’ is a proposed national stream of foundational supports for children who may not meet the NDIS threshold for permanent and significant disability. These supports would be coordinated and delivered largely by states and territories in mainstream settings (e.g., schools, childcare, community health). The Health and Disability Minister, Mark Butler, has set a target for the system to be operating by July 2026, with design consultation to occur beforehand.

Key Facts (Verified)

• The ‘Thriving Kids’ program aims to divert some children with milder developmental delay or autism from the NDIS to foundational supports delivered outside the scheme.
  • Target start: operating by July 2026, with consultation on program design before rollout.
  • The 2023 NDIS Review recommended establishing foundational supports outside the NDIS for those with less profound disability.
  • Mixed sector response: Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) called the announcement a significant step requiring state/territory buy‑in; autistic advocate Clare Gibellini cautioned against reproducing pre‑NDIS block‑funding gaps, especially for regional and low‑income families.
  • Growth context: the government is working toward moderating scheme growth—latest report cited 10.8% annual growth as of June 2025, down from ~20% in 2022, with a stated ambition to eventually reach ~5–6%.
  • Provider registration: the minister signalled stronger registration rules; there are 260,000+ providers but only ~16,000 registered, and the government is yet to respond to last year’s registration review.

What is ‘Thriving Kids’?

A proposed program of foundational supports for children who do not require an individualised NDIS package. It emphasises delivery through mainstream systems (schools, early childhood education, community and public health).

Why Now? Policy Context

The NDIS has expanded rapidly. The government is pursuing a moderated growth path to sustain the scheme long‑term, while ensuring children still get help. Foundational supports are intended to complement, not replace, the NDIS—reserving individualised packages for people with permanent and significant disability.

Sector Responses

• DANA’s interim CEO David Petherick described the announcement as a significant step and stressed the need for state and territory participation because they will deliver most supports.
  • Autistic advocate Clare Gibellini expressed concern that shifting children away from individualised funding could recreate service gaps seen pre‑NDIS.
  • Across interviews and community feedback, families consistently emphasise certainty—simple access pathways and timely supports wherever they live.

Practical Takeaways for Families

• Keep records of needs and outcomes (school reports, therapy notes) to support referrals as pathways are clarified.
  • Engage in the consultation process—submit feedback on access, wait times, and regional equity.
  • Ask schools and local health services about planned referral pathways into foundational supports as details emerge.

Practical Takeaways for Providers

• Prepare to collaborate with schools and community health to coordinate foundational supports.
  • Strengthen intake and triage to guide families clearly whether supports are inside or outside the NDIS.
  • Keep quality systems audit‑ready in light of potential changes to provider registration settings.

Careable’s Commitment

Careable will support families to navigate any changes with clarity and compassion. We’ll participate in consultations and share verified updates so families can access the right support at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions (Confirmed Information)

Q: Is the NDIS being replaced?
A: No. The NDIS remains and is demand‑driven; foundational supports are intended to complement it.

Q: When would Thriving Kids start?
A: The target is operational by July 2026, following consultation on program design.

Q: Who delivers the supports?
A: Primarily states and territories through mainstream settings (schools, early childhood, community health).

Q: Will existing NDIS participants lose supports?
A: Details are being designed. The stated aim is to maintain appropriate supports while ensuring scheme sustainability.

Source

ABC News: “Families on NDIS just want certainty about what Thriving Kids means for their future” — Nas Campanella, 21 August 2025.

Need help? Talk to Careable: 1300 DECIDE • cx@careable.com.au • careable.com.au