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Australian autism intervention programme delayed
Due to efforts to deliver urgent hospital funding
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 5th February 2026 |
The Australian federal government has agreed to delay the introduction of controversial changes to NDIS autism support services following a national cabinet meeting in Sydney on Friday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the delay to the 'Thriving Kids' program as part of a broader agreement that secures an additional Aus$25 billion in hospital funding over the next five years.
The 'Thriving Kids' initiative, originally scheduled to commence on 1 July, aims to transition children with mild to moderate autism and developmental delays from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) into state-run foundational supports.
State premiers had warned they were unprepared to assume responsibility for these services, which are to be delivered through schools, health clinics, and community facilities.
Under the new agreement, the program will now begin in October, with full implementation targeted for 1 January 2028.
Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed that current NDIS access arrangements for children will remain unchanged until the new system is operational.
He stated the reforms were essential for the scheme's sustainability, noting that while participants with autism or developmental delays comprise half of NDIS users, they account for 23% of total payments.
Source: Cootamundra Herald (Australia)
https://www.cootamundraherald.com.au/story/9164446/
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