2 September, 2025 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victorian MP David Ettershank has welcomed the state government’s commitment to involve disability groups and families in shaping a new support program for children exiting the NDIS. This move comes as the federal government aims to reduce costs.
On August 21, Health Minister Mark Butler announced the program, ‘Thriving Kids’. It intends to save funds by moving children with ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ autism and developmental delays off the NDIS. The cost of the NDIS is still increasing by over 10 percent each year.
West Metro MP David Ettershank asked the Victorian Government to engage disability advocacy groups and families in developing this service. He questioned Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn in state parliament about her plans to involve the disability community.
“Will the minister commit to co-design with parents of children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism to preserve affordability and access to vital specialised services? We are seeking that undertaking, Minister,” he said.
In her response, Minister Blandthorn stated, “From a Victorian government perspective, we absolutely want to make sure that families and particularly those with children impacted are involved.”
She also mentioned seeking assurances from the Commonwealth that families and the not-for-profit sector would help define the new service.
“They have said they want this to be a nationally consistent scheme. We are seeking to understand what that means and what that means exactly for consultation and design work, because we have not been privy to those conversations,” the minister added.
David Ettershank voices disability community concerns
Mr. Ettershank, a member of the Legalise Cannabis Party, emphasised the need for Victoria to fund disability advocacy services. He also stressed the need to ensure the voices of families and not-for-profits are heard in the design process.
“Most advocacy organisations are already at capacity, with some operating on deficit budgets,” he stated.
The minister noted that the state government allocated an additional $1.9 million in the 2024–25 budget to enhance the capacity of the Victorian disability advocacy program.
Minister questioned on knowledge of NDIS changes
Minister Blandthorn conceded she had limited knowledge of the new ‘Thriving Children’ program.
“I was most surprised to hear Minister Butler’s address at the Press Club last week. I had no advance notice of what was to be in that address, and indeed I did not hear from the Commonwealth until I think at least a day or so later. It is most concerning, in my view,” she said.
The minister pointed out that the state contributes $3 billion annually to the NDIS and wants to play a part in shaping the new ‘Thriving Kids’ program.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has publicly said he wants to work with the states to ‘design a system really located in mainstream broad-based supports’.
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