Australia: The Thriving Kids scheme will leave thousands of Australians with disability without the right support if the concerns of families and the sector are not heard, according to a key allied health peak body.

Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the government to maintain support levels and choice for younger children with global development delays and autism until a co-designed program is fully operational.

Occupational Therapy Australia chief occupational therapist Michelle Oliver said: “New services must be firmly established and be working well, at levels that will create real change in children’s lives, before any NDIS access is removed. Otherwise, it’s children who will pay the price.”

Ms Oliver urged the Government to properly consult with the sector - including families, participants and providers.

“Allied health providers are on the front line and have deep knowledge we can share,” she said.

“We all want to make sure children get the most appropriate support possible and that’s not something we can afford to rush or get wrong.

“If Thriving Kids is to truly work, the Government must allow the time needed to co-design and establish the infrastructure, governance, supports and knowledge to onboard and support thousands of families.

“We have to make sure the fundamentals are working before participants are left with no other choice for support, or Australian families will be at high risk of falling through the cracks.”

Occupational Therapy Australia

Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) is the professional association and peak representative body for occupational therapists in Australia. There are more than 30,000 registered occupational therapists working across the government, non-government, private and community sectors in Australia. Occupational therapists (OTs) are allied health professionals whose role is to enable their clients to engage in meaningful and productive activities.