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Queensland's health minister has voiced significant reservations regarding the federal government's "Thriving Kids" initiative. This program aims to transition children under nine with mild developmental delays and autism out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Queensland remains the sole state not yet committed to the plan, which is slated for full implementation by 2028. The minister emphasized the need for assurance that any replacement system will provide adequate early-years support, expressing concern that the federal government is shifting costs to the states. The state will not sign on until convinced of the program's efficacy and its ability to support vulnerable children and their families.

The concerns raised by Queensland highlight potential gaps in support for young children with developmental delays and autism as federal disability funding models evolve.