Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls has expressed major concerns over the federal government's Thriving Kids program, which aims to shift responsibility for supporting children with mild development delays and autism from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to a new state-based system. Nicholls' reluctance to sign on to the plan, which is expected to be fully implemented by 2028, highlights ongoing tensions between the state and federal governments over the program's adequacy and potential impact on families. Queensland is the only state yet to commit to the plan, with Nicholls emphasizing the need for a robust system that can provide necessary support for children and their families. The health minister's stance raises questions about the program's ability to meet the needs of vulnerable children and whether the states are being adequately prepared to take on this new responsibility.
Meanwhile King Charles praises ‘ambitious’ Aukus and expresses pride in Australia in speech to US Congress. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQueensland health minister still has major concerns about Thriving KidsTim Nicholls, the Queensland health minister, said the state still has major concerns about the federal government’s Thriving Kids program, which will move children under nine years old with mild development delays and autism off the NDIS. Queensland is the only state yet to sign on to the plan, which is expected to be fully set up by 2028.We want to make sure that any system that does replace what the Commonwealth is trying to do – and let’s face it, the Commonwealth is cost shifting to the states in regard to this – is able to provide the adequate supports that people need in those circumstances in those early years. …We’re not going to sign up to that until we’re convinced that there is a program that can be done.We want to make sure we get it right and don’t leave kids who need support and their families out of the considerations we’re taking. Continue reading...
