Dr Mike Freelander will chair the House of Reps inquiry which is taking submissions until 3 October.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability has started a new inquiry into the proposed Thriving Kids initiative program.
Chair of the committee, Labor Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, said:
“Foundational supports play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of children with developmental delay and autism, offering the scaffolding necessary for optimal growth, learning, and wellbeing.
“The launch of this inquiry marks a significant initial step toward ensuring that the voices of families, professionals, educators and the wider community are central to designing a program that meets the real and evolving needs of Australian children.
“It provides an opportunity for a broad spectrum of stakeholders to share their insights and recommendations, ensuring that policies are practical, equitable, and responsive.”
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The final design will be settled between the Australian government and state and territory governments and the Thriving Kids Advisory Group, co-chaired by federal health minister Mark Butlker and Professor Frank Oberklaid, from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
The Committee is seeking submissions from parents and families; disability representative organisations; disabled people’s organisations; disability representative and carer organisations; healthcare professionals (GPs and other medical specialists, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals); early childhood, preschool and primary school educators; and service providers.
Submissions close on Friday, 3 October 2025.
A brief survey is also available to gather community feedback on the experiences of families and carers in accessing support services for children with additional needs. The survey will be open until Friday, 10 October 2025 and can be accessed here.