Thriving Kids Advisory Group

 

Thriving Kids Advisory Group: Summary

Purpose

An expert advisory group established by the Australian Health Minister to design the national Thriving Kids model - a new support system outside NDIS for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay/disability with low to moderate needs.

Co-Chairs

  • Minister for Health and Ageing (Hon Mark Butler MP)
  • Professor Frank Oberklaid AM (child health and development expert)

Timeline

  • Main work: September - December 2025
  • Possible extension: Until July 2026
  • Meetings: At least 3 face-to-face meetings, plus additional as needed

Three-Phase Approach

Phase 1: Stocktake and Exploration

  • Review existing work, evidence, and service system gaps
  • Provide preliminary advice on service model elements

Phase 2: Refinement

  • Develop initial advice on key model components
  • Refine models based on additional evidence and input

Phase 3: Final Advice

  • Finalize recommendations covering:
    • Service models and scope
    • Outcomes monitoring/evaluation
    • Implementation considerations
    • Commissioning approaches
    • Communication/engagement strategies

What Informed Their Work

  • NDIS Review findings
  • Parliamentary Inquiry into Thriving Kids (1,194 survey responses + 500 submissions)
  • National Foundational Supports consultations (4,000+ participants)
  • Deep-dive workshops with stakeholders (autism community, disability organizations, service providers, unions, health practitioners)
  • Expert networks and academic research

Membership Expertise

Diverse representation across:

  • Paediatrics
  • Child development
  • Research and academia
  • Disability sector
  • Child and family services
  • Healthcare
  • Early education and schools
  • First Nations perspectives
  • Lived experience (parents of children with developmental delay/disability)
  • State and territory service system advisors

Key Engagement Activities

  • 5 detailed deep-dive workshops on key model aspects
  • Stakeholder forums (Oct-Dec 2025)
  • Targeted sessions with lived experience families (supported by The Social Deck)
  • Testing draft models with expert networks
  • Presentation from Parliamentary Inquiry Chair and Deputy Chair

Governance & Standards

  • Confidentiality requirements: Members bound by Confidentiality Deeds
  • Conflict of interest declarations: Required and ongoing
  • Privacy compliance: Must follow Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles
  • Remuneration: Members compensated for attendance according to departmental frameworks
  • Secretariat support: Provided by Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Outcomes

The Advisory Group published their final report on 3 February 2026 with comprehensive advice to all governments on what the national Thriving Kids model should include.

Key Takeaway

This was a rigorous, expert-led, community-informed process that brought together medical expertise, disability sector knowledge, lived experience, and government systems understanding to design a cohesive national support model for young children with developmental needs.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NDIS Providers in Hervey Bay and the Services They Offer

Image
  SEO Title Tag: NDIS Providers Hervey Bay: Services Offered & How to Choose Meta Description: Looking for NDIS providers in Hervey Bay? Learn what services local providers may offer, including support coordination, plan management, personal care, respite, SIL, transport and community access. NDIS Providers in Hervey Bay and the Services They Offer Finding the right NDIS provider in Hervey Bay can make it easier to use your plan with confidence. Whether you need support coordination, plan management, personal care, community access, transport, respite, Supported Independent Living, or help with daily routines, the right provider should understand your goals and deliver supports in a way that suits your needs. This guide explains what NDIS providers do, the types of disability support services commonly available in Hervey Bay, and what to ask before choosing a provider. What Is an NDIS Provider? An NDIS provider is a person, business, charity, not-for-profit, or organisation t...
Read more

AusAlert Is Coming — Here's What It Means for People With Disability

Image
 A new national emergency warning system is on its way, and this month's newsletter flags that dedicated resources are now available specifically for people with disability. AusAlert, an initiative of the Australian Government delivered through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is a new system designed to send emergency messages directly to compatible mobile devices during local and national emergencies. A nationwide test of the system took place on 27 July, ahead of its planned public launch in October 2026. **The disability-specific AusAlert kit includes:** - a stakeholder and information booklet, with advice on using the resources and links to download each item - an explainer animation video with subtitles and Auslan - posters and factsheets - social media tiles with suggested post wording - Easy Read versions of key resources The kit also includes guidance for people who feel unsafe receiving an AusAlert message, or who have a hidden device — available in a dedi...
Read more

The Complete Guide to NDIS Audits

Image
The Complete Guide to NDIS Audits Introduction If you are a registered NDIS provider, audits are a normal part of operating within the scheme. They are not a sign that something has gone wrong. They are a structured process designed to confirm that providers are meeting the standards required to deliver safe and quality supports. Despite this, many providers find audits stressful — particularly those who are new to registration or who have not been through the process before. A lack of preparation, or uncertainty about what auditors are looking for, is often the biggest source of difficulty. This guide explains what NDIS audits are, why they exist, what evidence and documentation you need, and how to approach a compliance review with confidence. It also covers what happens when issues are identified, and what you can expect as the scheme evolves. What Is an NDIS Audit? An NDIS audit is a formal assessment of whether a registered provider meets the NDIS Practice Standards....
Read more