On 2 September 2025, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler, referred an inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability.
Thriving Kids will focus on improved identification and support for children under 8 with mild to moderate need with developmental concerns and disability through a national system of supports. The program will be delivered by scaling and building on existing mainstream and community services that can better support families and children in settings they already are connected to. Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be supported through the NDIS.
The Committee is seeking written submissions addressing the terms of reference by Friday, 3 October 2025. Further information about the terms of Reference and how to make a submission to the parliamentary committee is available here
A brief survey is also now available to gather community feedback on the experiences of families and carers in accessing support services for children with additional needs. The survey will be open until Friday, 10 October 2025 and can be accessed here.
Read more about Thriving Kids.