The first phase of a $4 billion alternative to the National Disability Insurance Scheme begins today, aiming to provide baseline support for children aged eight and under who experience developmental delay or autism with low to moderate support needs. Announced last August, the Thriving Kids program intends to offer children and families services in places they already live, learn, and play without requiring a formal diagnosis or specialist referral.
What Changes Today and General Supports Launch
Today marks the first stage of the program with the launch of initial general supports, though officials stress that change will not happen overnight. Federal Minister Mark Butler stated that the government is committed to ensuring services are fully up and running by January 2028. Available services starting today include the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline (1300 654 789) delivered by the autism organisation Amaze, which offers autism-specific guidance and service connections. An online resource hub delivered by the Raising Children Network provides practical tools and information to help families support child development. A Medicare-funded three-year-old developmental health check is also scheduled to start on November 1 to give families cheaper access to doctors for early concern detection.
State and Territory Rollout Plans Across Jurisdictions
While operating under a national model, each state and territory will run its own iteration of Thriving Kids with gradual integration of targeted supports like playgroups and allied health therapies ahead of a full rollout by January 2028. Queensland has not yet formally signed up for the program. In New South Wales, families can continue accessing existing services while short-term allied health support becomes available in 2027. Western Australia allocated $361 million over five years for services, working alongside the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia and the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia. Victoria launched guidance resources, the Advocating for Children with Disability Support Line, more autism assessments, and educator training. South Australia is expanding its Preschool Boost program, Child Health Development Checks, and playgroup facilitation, while Tasmania is introducing supported playgroups and Early Childhood Connectors. The Australian Capital Territory opened the Thriving Kids ACT Information and Navigation phone line at (02) 6205 5500, and the Northern Territory is utilizing existing NT Health allied health teams like the Children’s Development Team.
Did You Know? Statistics from June 2025 showed that 11 percent of all children between five and seven years of age were enrolled in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Eligibility, Parallel Systems, and Remaining Questions
The government confirms that no changes to NDIS access will occur until January 2028, meaning two systems will operate in parallel until then. Children can still enroll in the NDIS through the end of next year, and children with permanent and significant disabilities will remain eligible for the scheme beyond 2028. However, Children and Young People with Disability Australia chief executive Skye Kakoschke-Moore noted that it remains unclear how mild to moderate support needs will be defined or how families with multiple children needing support will be assisted. Advocacy groups like SNAICC have also raised concerns regarding culturally strong wraparound support for Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse children, demanding that Aboriginal community-controlled organisations be sufficiently resourced and involved.
Does today mean my child will be removed from the National Disability Insurance Scheme?
No. The government states there will be no changes to how people access the NDIS until January 2028, when Thriving Kids is fully rolled out and new eligibility criteria are implemented. Both systems will operate in parallel until then.
Do families need a formal medical diagnosis to access Thriving Kids?
Families will not need a diagnosis to access Thriving Kids supports, though the exact requirements and assessment processes that determine whether a child goes into Thriving Kids or the NDIS are still being designed.
What immediate phone services are available for families seeking help today?
Families can contact the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline at 1300 654 789 or, in the ACT, the Thriving Kids Information and Navigation phone line at (02) 6205 5500 for advice and connection to services.
? How will your family or community be affected by the rollout of foundational supports over the next 15 months?