The Australian government has begun implementing a five-year, nationwide support initiative aimed at helping children under eight with developmental delays or autism, focusing on early intervention and community-based services.
Australia has begun rolling out a new national support programme for children aged eight and under who have developmental delay or autism and only low to moderate support needs, with the first phase starting on Thursday as part of the government’s Thriving Kids initiative. According to the Australian government, the five-year scheme will be jointly funded by Canberra and the states and territories, with each side contributing A$2 billion to the A$4 billion package. The programme is designed to help families connect earlier with the right supports, rather than waiting for children to reach more complex needs.
Health officials say Thriving Kids will be introduced gradually across the country before becoming fully operational on 1 January 2028. The federal Department of Health says children will not need a formal diagnosis to access help, a change intended to make services easier to reach for families who may be worried about a child’s development but have not yet been through a full assessment. The national rollout begins in October 2026 and will continue in stages over the next 15 months.
Several states and territories have already started putting the new system in place. Western Australia said the programme would be introduced through a transitional phase between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2028, backed by a joint investment of A$361 million over five years. The state’s first service, Thriving Kids Connect WA, is being positioned as an information and navigation service for families, carers and kin. In the Australian Capital Territory, the programme is launching with an initial A$20.3 million over five years, alongside a new information and navigation phone line for parents seeking support without first needing a referral. Victoria, meanwhile, says the model will be rolled out in stages from October 2026, with services delivered through everyday settings such as maternal and child health, early childhood education and allied health.
The federal government says the programme is meant to shift support closer to where children live, learn and play, with services that include greater awareness of developmental milestones, early identification of additional needs, allied health support, low-cost assistive technology and more intensive help for families who need it. The focus on community-based care reflects a broader push to strengthen family support and reduce pressure on the disability system by directing children with lower-level needs into earlier, more accessible services.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
