APS Submission to the Australian Parliament Thriving Kids Initiative

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing announced a commitment to contribute $2 billion over 5 years towards Thriving Kids, commencing from 1 July 2026.

Thriving Kids will focus on identifying developmental concerns earlier and establishing a national system of supports for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and disability and low to moderate support needs and their families. Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Australian Paediatric Society (APS), representing regional and rural consultant paediatricians, strongly supports the objectives of the Thriving Kids initiative. APS members are uniquely placed to help government achieve best value for money by guiding families toward the most appropriate local services — knowledge not readily accessible to centrally based planners.

Submission 2025

APS Submission to the Australian Parliament Thriving Kids Initiative158.57 KB