09/05/2026
Straight from the director - update on Thriving Kids (aka Foundational Supports in NSW).
As a clinician who has worked in disability services longer than NDIS has existed, I remember what it was like before individual funding was a thing. Sure, the NDIS is 100% at risk of poor political decision making as we speak, but its still a hundred times better than the systems we had before. Doesn't say much about those systems does it?
Thriving Kids is a massive step backwards for kids needing early intervention. There will be no individual support, limited group/population based supports from a couple of clinicians (no dietitians to be seen I can assure you), and it will all be controlled by the same NGOs who mostly existed prior to NDIS as well. No more small businesses and private providers who are local to you, no ability to choose someone who specialises in the support your child needs, and definitely bu**er all for rural and remote communities and First Nations people.
Don't be fooled by the propaganda from the State and Federal governments. This is not the way forward for disability supports for children.
I thank Dietitians Australia for standing up and supporting small providers.
The NSW Government has released information on the tender process for Thriving Kids NSW, making it clear that most private providers won’t be welcome in the scheme.
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has stated that private providers may apply for tender in the program but will only be considered “if exceptional circumstances arise”, with most services limited to provision from not-for-profit organisations. The full update is available on the DCJ website: https://bit.ly/4niqGLM
Many Australian dietitians do their incredible work as private providers. This misguided decision would take away critical nutritional supports for children with autism and mild to moderate developmental delay.
Dietitians Australia is currently assessing and responding in collaboration with Allied Health Professionals Australia. We will be fiercely advocating for private dietitians to remain a fundamental part of care provision, not just in NSW, but across the country, as other states establish their own Thriving Kids programs.
