AAP
QUEENSLAND families face continued uncertainty over disability support as Premier David Crisafulli refuses to sign onto the Federal Government’s $4 billion Thriving Kids program without guarantees children will not fall through the cracks.
The standoff has left Queensland as the only state or territory yet to finalise an agreement on the scheme, which will shift some children aged eight and under with autism or developmental delays from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) into alternative support services.
Mr Crisafulli has demanded assurances that families will not lose essential assistance during the transition.
“All we want is families to be protected, and before we hop in the driver’s seat, we want the knowledge from Canberra that vulnerable people won’t be collateral damage,” he said.
Federal NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister has challenged Queensland to explain its refusal to finalise the agreement, warning families deserve certainty about future services.
“Families in Queensland are rightly asking their State Government what Thriving Kids services will be in place for their children,” she said.
Under the reforms, children with low to moderate support needs will gradually transition towards foundational services outside the NDIS, with changes to eligibility scheduled from 2028.
Children already receiving NDIS assistance will not be removed immediately, while those with permanent and significant disabilities, including high support needs, will remain eligible.
However, disability advocates warn the lack of agreement has left families confused about what services will replace existing arrangements.
Three advocacy organisations – People with Disability Australia, Children and Young People with Disability Australia and the Queensland Independent Disability Advocacy Network – have written to Ms Camm demanding clarity.
“The absence of agreement cannot mean an absence of a clear pathway forward,” the organisations said.
Australian Autism Alliance independent co-chair Jenny Karavolas said families across the country were anxious about the changes.
“Children shouldn’t be the shock absorber while the adults are trying to get the right systems and work out which system you’re meant to be in,” she said.
Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion chief executive Matilda Alexander warned families were already under considerable pressure.
“People are already very stressed and anxious about changes to the NDIS, and we need to know what is coming in relation to Thriving Kids,” she said.
The dispute comes as the Albanese Government pursues broader NDIS reforms designed to curb rising expenditure and shift some participants into alternative support programs.
While Canberra maintains the changes are essential to the scheme’s financial sustainability, Queensland argues funding and service guarantees must come first.
