‘Grave concerns’ from states over Labor plan to move autism services off NDIS

Federal health minister last month announced surprise move to shift child foundational supports to new Thriving Kids program from July 2027

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Labor is facing a growing revolt by the states over plans to provide early intervention autism services through a new $2bn national scheme, with Victoria’s disability minister warning children’s rights must not be traded away “for 30 pieces of silver”.

States and territories were blind-sided by last month’s announcement from the health minister, Mark Butler, that the federal government had scrapped plans for locally provided services for children with mild autism and other developmental issues, as part of efforts to ease pressure on the rapidly growing NDIS budget.