Thriving Kids: what’s happening
in your state or territory

Thriving Kids is moving from national policy design into state and territory consultation, planning, and implementation.

The program is expected to begin rolling out from 1 October 2026, with full implementation planned by 1 January 2028. State and territory governments are expected to design and deliver services in their own jurisdictions, while the Australian Government progresses national service design and engagement. 

Activity is already underway in some states and territories. We continue to monitor developments, seek further detail and advocate for implementation that supports children, families and the speech pathology workforce. 

Use the information below to find the latest updates for your state or territory. 

 

Australian Capital Territory

UPDATED ON 03/06/2026

The Australian Capital Territory Government has outlined 3 stages for designing and delivering Thriving Kids. 

  • to agree the ACT Implementation Plan (31 May 2026 – not published yet)
  • to design individual services (June 2026 to December 2027)
  • to build a connected system of supports (ongoing). 

Detailed information on consultation and implementation is not yet available. 

Find out more:   

New South Wales

UPDATED ON 03/06/2026

Expressions of Interest for Thriving Kids service delivery closed on 29 May.

Services are expected to begin from October 2026 for children aged 8 and under, who are Autistic or have a developmental delay, and low to moderate support needs.

We are concerned the current procurement approach may exclude high quality private providers, limiting access to essential speech pathology services for children and families.

We have contacted the NSW Government to seek immediate clarification and advocate for an inclusive model that recognises the full speech pathology workforce.

Find out more:  

NT

The Northern Territory has published basic Thriving Kids information and a fact sheet. 

Detailed information on consultation and implementation is not yet available. 

Updates will be added as more information becomes available.  

Find out more:

Queensland

UPDATED ON 03/06/2026

No details have been published on the status of Queensland’s Thriving Kids bilateral agreement with the Federal Government.

Updates will be added as more information becomes available.

South Australia

UPDATED ON 03/06/2026

South Australia has only published general information about how Thriving Kids will be implemented.

Updates will be added as more information becomes available. 

Find out more:   

Tasmania

UPDATED ON 03/06/2026

Tasmania held a series of public consultations in May.  

The state has published its general Thriving Kids Service Model. However, a detailed implementation plan is not yet available.  

Updates will be added as more information becomes available.  

Find out more:   

Victoria

UPDATED ON 12/06/2026

Victoria has announced additional details on its Thriving Kids approach, starting from October 2026.

The model brings together the Maternal Child Health and Early Childhood Education systems.

It will include two new developmental checks for all children— one before kindergarten and one before school. Allied health professionals will identify developmental delays. They will be employed by the Victorian Government and based in services like maternal child health, kindergartens and early parenting centres.

The announcement also introduces a digital My Health, Learning and Development Record, or “green book.” This is now available on the Service Victoria app to streamline information and access to services for families.

Updates will be added as more information becomes available.

Find out more:

Western Australia

UPDATED ON 03/06/2026

An online sector briefing was held on 7 May 2026 as part of WA’s targeted consultations. The briefing covered the WA Government’s investment in Thriving Kids, the national model, service principles, and WA’s proposed streams and phasing approach. 

WA conducted a market survey and will hold in-person and online consultations in June. The Department is seeking input from the sector to:

  • inform the design and delivery of Thriving Kids supports
  • understand sector readiness, workforce capacity and service gaps
  • ensure the model meets the needs of diverse communities, including priority groups and locations.  

In-person town halls will be held in:  

  • Perth
  • Broome
  • Kununurra
  • Geraldton
  • Bunbury  

Online sessions will also be available. 

To participate in consultations, you must submit an Expression of Interest. The EOI date has been extended to Friday, 5 June at 5pm (local time). 

Submit your EOI on the Department of Communities website.

Find out more:

What SPA is advocating for 

We are advocating for Thriving Kids to include: 

  • Funding and commissioning pathways that involve the whole paediatric workforce, including the private sector 
  • Culturally responsive, evidence-based models of care that work in rural, regional and remote areas 
  • Removing barriers to providing services in places where children live learn and play. 

Our message to governments

Thriving Kids must be designed around the needs of children and families.

That means ensuring children can access the right supports, from the right professionals, at the right time.

Speech pathologists must be recognised as a core part of Thriving Kids. 

Stay engaged