The Latest Breaking News from Thriving Kids

New services will move children under nine with mild developmental delays and autism off the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Here’s what you need to know

State and federal governments have struck a new deal to reduce the sky-high cost of the NDIS while better supporting young people with mild disabilities.

The government plans to redirect some children off the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and onto a new program called Thriving Kids. When announcing the change last month, health and disability minister Mark Butler explained:

Medicare, aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are all key parts of Australians’ lives. But for the federal government, each of these areas – especially growing demand and rising costs – remains a challenge.

Autistic children with mild to moderate developmental delay will no longer be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from mid-2027.

From mid-2027, the government will divert children with mild and moderate developmental delay and autism away from the NDIS and onto a program called Thriving Kids.

Minister’s announcement ‘has created further uncertainty’, advocates say and they are ‘collectively disappointed’ by the lack of engagement

This blog is now closed

Among other changes, the Albanese government is introducing alternative support programs – particularly for those with less severe disabilities