Early childhood education and care think tank, The Front Project, has welcomed the Minister Butler’s announcement of his intention to take a hands on role in leading the development of Thriving Kids, a Program to give children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism the supports they need, in the places where they already are.

CEO, Dr Caroline Croser-Barlow said the program will help ensure all children get the holistic care they need to thrive in a more accessible manner.

"For too long, children with developmental delay or mild autism have had to wait for diagnosis to access supports that are too often in clinical settings, and don’t build the capacity of adults who spend the most time with children – families, and educators" Dr Croser-Barlow said.

“Far too many families have had no choice but to turn to the NDIS as their only option for support, despite it never being designed for children with mild to moderate developmental delays and not providing the broad-based supports these children need.

"This investment through the Thriving Kids program represents a fundamental shift towards evidence-based, integrated early childhood development supports delivered where children already spend their time: in early learning centres, schools and community settings.”

Dr Croser-Barlow said the program would address a critical gap in Australia's support system for children and families.

"With one in five young children experiencing autism and other developmental needs, this is about building a comprehensive early child development system rather than leaving families to navigate fragmented services on their own.

"The Thriving Kids program signals a long-overdue recognition that early childhood development and early intervention should be accessible, coordinated and delivered through the places families already trust and visit regularly.

"We encourage all states and territories to collaborate with the Federal Government in designing a system that truly delivers on the promise of giving every Australian child the best possible start in life," Dr Croser-Barlow said.

ENDS

Media contact:

Rachel Wallbridge, Government Relations and Engagement Manager

0402 680 092

20 August 2025