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Questions raised about staffing for new NDIS initiative
Workforce readiness for Thriving Kids examined
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Monday 27th April 2026 |
Concerns are being raised about whether the Australian workforce is ready to deliver the first phase of the Thriving Kids program.
This initiative is a key part of the government's efforts to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and reduce its multi-billion dollar costs.
Thriving Kids aims to provide earlier support for children with developmental delays and disabilities, including autism.
However, experts and service providers are worried that there are not enough trained professionals to meet the expected demand.
The success of the program depends on having a skilled workforce of therapists, educators, and support workers who can deliver high-quality services.
There are also questions about the training and resources that will be available to help the workforce adapt to the new model.
The Australian government has defended the timeline for the rollout, but pressure is mounting to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place.
The situation highlights the challenges of implementing large-scale reforms in the disability sector and the importance of workforce planning.
Families are waiting for more clarity on how the changes will affect their access to essential services and support.
Source: ABC News (Australia)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-27/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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