Queensland remains the only state or territory yet to formally sign the Thriving Kids agreement, one week before the program’s first phase is scheduled to begin on 1 October.
The national initiative is intended to build mainstream and community supports for children under nine with developmental delay or autism who have low-to-moderate support needs. It forms part of broader changes aimed at making support available outside individual NDIS packages.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says Queensland families are losing preparation time. The Queensland government says it remains concerned about cost shifting and unanswered questions, including how support needs will be defined. Both positions are attributed claims in an unresolved intergovernmental dispute.
Families should continue using existing official NDIS, health and education channels until governments publish confirmed Queensland arrangements. Eligibility and transition details may change as negotiations continue.
Sources: ABC News; Australian Government Thriving Kids fact sheet.
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