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Queensland lone holdout as Thriving Kids scheme launches nationally

State government refuses to sign on to federal NDIS alternative, citing lack of detail and funding certainty

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources3 outlets
The first phase of the federal government's Thriving Kids program, an early intervention system for autistic children under nine with low-to-moderate support needs, has launched this week. Queensland remains the only state or territory refusing to participate, leaving families uncertain about their children's support pathway.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced the program last year as a way to provide foundational supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The initial phase includes a digital resource hub, national helplines, and foundational supports. Changes to NDIS access and assessment are not scheduled until January 2028.

Queensland Disability Services Minister Amanda Camm described Thriving Kids as "a bad deal for children with a disability." Premier David Crisafulli said his government was prepared to take a stand even if it was alone. "We're trying to get common sense out of Canberra to make sure [families] don't fall through the cracks," he said. "We'll keep working Canberra, [but] we want to see the details."

The impasse has left families in what has been described as a "cruel mess", caught between the federal launch and the state's refusal to participate. Crisafulli stated he remains "as strong and resolute as ever" in his opposition to signing the current agreement, urging the Commonwealth to provide greater clarity and a sustainable long-term funding model.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The dispute creates an uncertain support pathway for thousands of Queensland families with autistic children who are being transitioned from the NDIS.
  • It tests the federal government's ability to enact major NDIS reform without unanimous state and territory support.
  • The outcome will shape how disability services are delivered and funded across the country.

Background

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has faced significant cost pressures, prompting the federal government to seek alternative funding and service delivery models. Thriving Kids is designed to provide early intervention supports to children with low-to-moderate needs, diverting them from the full NDIS package. State and territory governments are key partners in delivering these services, making cooperation essential for the program's success.

Key Perspectives

Queensland Government: Refuses to sign the agreement, citing a lack of detail and insufficient long-term funding certainty. Minister Camm called it a "bad deal" and Premier Crisafulli insists on protecting families from falling through the cracks. Federal Government: Proceeds with the national launch, arguing that early intervention is better for children and necessary for the long-term sustainability of the disability support system. Families and Advocates: Caught in the middle of the political dispute. The immediate concern is the gap in support for children being moved from the NDIS without a clear state-level framework in place.

What to Watch

  • Whether Queensland and the Commonwealth can reach a bilateral agreement in the coming weeks.
  • The experience of families in participating states with the new digital hub and helplines.
  • The impact on NDIS access criteria leading up to the January 2028 changes.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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