The first phase of the $4 billion Thriving Kids program – an alternative to the NDIS for children under nine with low‑to‑moderate support needs – starts today, according to ABC News (Patrick Stone).

General supports are now available: the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline (1300 654 789) is run by Amaze, an online resource hub is provided by the Raising Children Network, and a Medicare‑funded developmental health check for three‑year‑olds begins on 1 November.

More intensive, targeted supports such as playgroups and allied‑health therapies will be introduced gradually. Federal minister Mark Butler said the full suite of services should be in place by January 2028, promising that no child will fall between the two systems.

The NDIS will continue unchanged for eligible children until the 2028 rollout, meaning both the NDIS and Thriving Kids will operate side by side.

"Thriving Kids is going to be available for children that have mild to moderate support needs. But at the moment, it's really unclear exactly what that means," said Skye Kakoschke‑Moore, chief executive of Children and Young People with Disability Australia.