"Nothing About Us Without Us": Advocates Clash with Govt Over 'Thriving Kids'
While the government touts the ‘Thriving Kids’ program as a necessary evolution of Australia’s disability support, disability advocates are sounding the alarm. A coalition of Disability Representative Organisations (DROs), including the Australian Autism Alliance, has issued a sharp rebuke of the process, citing a lack of genuine consultation and fears of a "service gap."
The "Speed Over Safety" Concern
The primary criticism is the timeline. With a rollout starting in October 2026 and full implementation by 2028, advocates fear that children will be turned away from the NDIS before the new state-based services are fully operational. "We are seeing a rush to cap NDIS growth at 8%, but we haven't seen the evidence that schools are ready to support autistic children without individual funding," noted one advocate spokesperson. The fear is that children will fall through the cracks during this transition period.
The Definition of "Mild"
Controversy also surrounds the classification of "mild to moderate" autism. Advocates argue that functioning labels are often misleading and that a child who appears "mild" in a clinical setting may struggle significantly in a chaotic classroom environment. Without the individualised funding of the NDIS, there are concerns that schools—already under-resourced—will struggle to provide the necessary adjustments.
The Verdict
While the $2 billion federal sweetener has brought state premiers on board, the trust of the disability community remains fragile. As the October 2026 deadline approaches, the government faces a critical test: proving that ‘Thriving Kids’ is a genuine support system, not just a cost-cutting exercise for the federal budget. Advocates are calling for a "no disadvantage" clause to ensure no child loses support during the transition.
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