Thriving Kids launches, but GP role still 'unclear'

The program was announced as the federal government looks to claw back $37.8 billion over the next four years. 

While it has been designed as a program to provide support to children younger than nine showing signs of development delay in place of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it is still unclear how it will be delivered. 

Delivery is down to individual state and territory governments, rather than federally. Queensland remains the only state not to have signed up to the program. In WA, the program will be delivered in a phased approach between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2028.

The federal government has confirmed there will be no changes to access or eligibility to the NDIS until 1 January 2028.

But beyond that, detail is scarce. Perth GP Dr Andrew Leech said GPs were keen for detail on how they may be involved. 

“General practitioners continue to field questions from their patients about Thriving Kids and NDIS cutbacks, but we really don't have the resources or knowledge to help them,” he told Medical Forum. 

“Families have brought in letters showing me how they are now being cut from the NDIS and asking about Thriving Kids. I can't provide any sort of meaningful hope or assurance that they will be supported by the new program.  

“The role of GPs in the early intervention stage and our assessment process is still not clear” 

WA’s May budget set aside $361 million over the next five years for the program, with support from the Commonwealth. It is not yet known what funding arrangements will be in place to help GPs and specialists, including psychiatrists and paediatricians, to support children in this cohort.

The WA government announced a $52 million pool of funding for a Thriving Kids Family and Children Support Program.

Applications could be made for grants between $250,000 and $2 million, with submissions closing September 30. They were available for community-based projects and initiatives that work with families, carers and kin to strengthen their knowledge, skills and confidence to support their children.

A statement from the Department of Communities issued the day Thriving Kids launched said WA's approach would be focused on building family strengths, increasing community connections, and supporting child development and participation in everyday life.

The first new service to launch is Thriving Kids Connect WA, providing families and carers with free information, advice, and practical strategies regarding child development and autism, the statement confirmed.

The service will be delivered by Uplyft (formerly Wanslea) and will provide immediate support via phone and online channels t help families access information, resources and guidance. It is available as of October 1.

Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley said: "Thriving Kids Connect WA gives families a dedicated place to seek advice, access resources, and connect with support early.

"This reform will make it easier for families to navigate services and get help sooner, while working alongside existing health, education, and NDIS supports."

Medical Forum has asked the Department of Communities where the remaining $309 million would be allocated.

Federally, a Thriving Kids Information and Resource Hub, delivered by the Raising Children Network, has been launched to provide information and resources to families.

The Thriving Kids initiative includes a federally backed, Medicare funded three-year-old health assessment designed to spot developmental concerns early, which will involve GPs. The initiative is due to begin on November 1.

Dr Leech said the three-year-old check was part of a bigger picture which may include linking patients to early intervention and allied health but he was unsure how that might work.

He said he was seeing families on a daily basis who also had questions, or were sharing information based on their experiences with the NDIS.

“We’re flying blind at the moment," he said.

“It’s been quite upsetting for a number of families who’ve been either accessing the NDIS for their child’s needs, or who are trying to access it. There have been some quite emotional consultations with families saying their funding has been cut or significantly reduced.

“Parents come to me asking what they should do, do they write a letter, but GPs have very little idea around how to navigate these changes. It’s a bit of a mess at the moment.

“Many of these parents are at their limit and some of them have had to stop work to support their kids and there is a sense of despair in their face about what they are going to do.”

Federal Minister for the NDIS Jenny McAllister said the program was designed with experts and families who have navigated the system and know what needed to change.

More information on how Thriving Kids will be delivered in WA is available on the Department of Communities website here.

A Thriving Kids Autism Helpline has been set up by the federal government to provide autism-specific support and guidance: 1300 654 789

Federal information can be found here: www.health.gov.au/thrivingkids