Overview

• NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said he was not consulted on the Thriving Kids plan, with Victoria’s Jacinta Allan and the Queensland and Western Australia disability ministers also reporting no advance briefing.
• NSW Premier Chris Minns said he will not sign a blank cheque without details, and Health Minister Ryan Park said the state will not pick up the bill or accept cost shifting through reduced health funding.
• Disability Minister Mark Butler rejected claims of a blindsiding, saying jurisdictions have been in talks for two years and assuring parents the transition will be designed over the next couple of years.
• The $2 billion Commonwealth program would redirect children with mild-to-moderate developmental delay or autism from the NDIS to mainstream and targeted supports, framed as necessary as NDIS costs are forecast at $52 billion in 2025/26.
• Professional groups and advocates, including the Australian Association of Psychologists and the Australian Autism Alliance, warned of risks to evidence-based care and said consultation to date has been insufficient, leaving families uncertain.