04/02/2026
Update on Thriving Kids, the good news is that the announcement provides clearer information for families now and into the future.
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Disability and the NDIS Mark Butler MP has announced an overview of Thriving Kids and released the report from the Thriving Kids Advisory Group. National Cabinet has committed $4 billion over 5 years.
The announcement is very high level and lots of the details are being worked out. Thriving Kids will start from 1 October 2026 and will be fully rolled out from 1 January 2028.
The Australian Government will be responsible for national components of the program, including information and program evaluation. State governments will deliver parenting programs and targeted supports.
What the announcement means for:
⭐Children who enter the NDIS prior to 1 January 2028
🔹Children aged 0-8 who are currently enrolled in the NDIS can remain on the NDIS (subject to usual rules).
🔹Between now and 1 January 2028 children aged 0-8 who are identified as having developmental delay or disability can get help through the NDIS (subject to usual rules).
🔹From 1 January 2028 the eligibility rules for the NDIS will change for children aged 0-8, but for children aged 0-8 who are already on the NDIS the current rules will continue to apply.
“Subject to usual rules” means the current rules around NDIS eligibility and reassessment apply.
⭐From 1 January 2028
🔹Access rules for the NDIS for children aged 0-8 will change from 1 January 2028.
🔹Children 0-8+ years old who are identified as having with significant and permanent disability will continue to access the NDIS. This includes young children with developmental delay or autism with high support needs.
🔹Children aged 0-8 who are identified with developmental delays with low to moderate support needs will receive help through Thriving Kids. This support will include:
-Help identifying children with developmental delays. By GP’s, Child and Family Nurses and others.
-Information and advice for families. Free over the phone and online information.
-Parenting supports and programs. Including peer support groups, playgroups and parenting courses for families.
-Targeted supports. Provided by allied health therapists such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists as well as low-cost assistive technology, aids and equipment.
What else we know:
-No diagnosis will be needed to access Thriving Kids support.
-There will be a range of online, group and individual services.
-Supports will be free and not have a gap fee.
-There will be focus on providing best practice support in children’s everyday settings, such as at home, childcare and kindergarten.
👉If you want to read more - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/thriving-kids
👉Disability Representative Organisations have responded to the announcement which you can read here - https://pwd.org.au/dros-respond-to-government-agreement-on-disability-supports/
