15 June 2026
A big turnout to the engagement sessions held across Tasmania during May demonstrates a keen interest from the public and service providers in how Thriving Kids will be implemented here in Tassie.
And most importantly, how Tasmanian kids aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism with low to moderate support needs (and their families, carers and kin) can get the right support earlier.
Almost 220 people participated in-person at sessions held in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart. Another 58 people attended the online session run specifically for families and the community, and 152 people attended the online session for service providers.
So, what has been learnt so far from these sessions?
- There is strong interest to learn more about the draft service delivery model and staged approach to implementation.
- Families and community members are concerned about the withdrawal of services and supports if their children currently have an NDIS package.
- There are unique needs and differences in the availability of services and supports in rural and remote areas such as the North-West, the West Coast and the East Coast.
- Community and provider engagement will need to continue beyond the official consultation period due to the incremental increase in supports available until January 2028.
- Some existing supports and services for families and children will be able to expand their reach with the addition of new Thriving Kids funding.
- The key message - that children do not need to have a diagnosis to access Thriving Kids - needs to be central to all communication when promoting Thriving Kids.
What’s next?
- Targeted consultation with key service providers and supports is ongoing by DPAC’s Disability Services and Reform team who have been working with consultation company Nous to deliver the sessions.
- More information and FAQs will be added to the Tasmanian Government’s Thriving Kids webpage based on community feedback received so far.
- The Tasmanian Government will begin developing an approach that allows new supports and services to be established for Thriving Kids, whilst exploring opportunities to work with existing providers to expand or leverage their existing services.
- The staged rollout of Thriving Kids supports in Tasmania will begin from October 2026, with the rollout to be completed by January 2028.
Need more information?
Visit the Thriving Kids website of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Information about the implementation of Thriving Kids in Tasmania, including some handy FAQs is available on our website.
You can email thriving.kids@dpac.tas.gov.au to connect with the project team.
