Thriving Kids: A Reform with Potential (If We Get It Right)

Recently, we lodged A Growing Understanding’s submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Thriving Kids. Thriving Kids is a national program, announced by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, to strengthen foundational supports outside the NDIS, across health, education, and community settings, so children can access help earlier and closer to where they live and learn.

Every day in our Centres we see the difference that timely, high-quality early intervention makes for children and their families. We also see the other side: lengthy waitlists, children slipping behind at school, and systems that don’t connect. We welcome the intent of Thriving Kids. But unless key safeguards are built in, there is a risk of repeating the very problems families already face. Our submission sets out practical priorities to help the reform deliver on its promise.

Our Six Priorities for the Thriving Kids Program

Families tell us they want three things: clear pathways, timely assessment, and services they can actually access at school, in the community, and at home. As a paediatric speech pathology service, we see how quickly confidence grows when support happens early. With this in mind, and with an understanding of how avoidable delays compound over time, we have highlighted six priorities. Each is grounded in everyday practice and is achievable with the right commissioning and accountability.

1. Timely allied health assessment
   Children cannot wait months for the identification of need. Commission local assessments so families get answers fast and can act early.

2. Allied health in schools (especially in NSW)
   NSW schools do not routinely embed speech pathologists on staff. Fund speech pathology in education settings so support is available where children spend most of their day.

3. Quality and safeguards
   All providers, NDIS and non-NDIS, should meet the same high standards for safety, evidence-based practice, cultural responsiveness and data security. Families deserve consistency regardless of the funding stream.

4. Workforce capability
   Build capacity by investing in skilled providers already serving communities. Commission services with strong supervision, student placements, mentoring and career pathways so quality grows with scale.

5. Navigation and coordination
   Families need supported pathways, not a maze. Fund navigation roles and cross-system coordination so health, education and community services work together.

6. Inclusion of independent providers
   Independent practices sustain the local workforce, train students and deliver high-quality care close to home. Commissioning models must include these providers so communities retain choice and continuity.

What Informs our Perspective (and a call for more voices)

Our submission reflects what we see in practice each week, and is informed by contributions our team makes to broader sector conversations. Our Practice Director, Lauren Haskins, brings perspectives from multiple forums (service leadership, professional education, and advisory groups). Our Clinical Director will also continue to share clinical insights as further consultation opportunities arise.

We can only build a strong, workable system if more people add their experience. We encourage providers, educators, allied health professionals and families, particularly colleagues in education, to share their voice through formal processes and local consultations. Every perspective helps shape reform that works in classrooms, waiting rooms and lounge rooms.

Where to From Here

We know reform is needed. We welcome the focus on early support. But reform must be built on evidence, on equity, and on the voices of those who live and work in these systems every day. This is why we continue to use our platform as a Voice for Change, because when families thrive, children thrive.

You can read our full submission HERE – Link to PDF

This document details each recommendation and the practical steps we believe will make Thriving Kids a reform with real impact.