Queensland faces NDIS replacement row: What it means for you

Queensland’s NDIS Standoff: Families Face Uncertainty as State Refuses Key Reforms

Anxiety Mounts Over New NDIS Changes

Families, carers, and disability service providers in Queensland are grappling with heightened anxiety and confusion following the state’s refusal to formally sign onto significant National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms. These changes, which began rolling out nationally on Thursday, aim to reshape how support is provided, especially for young children.

At the heart of the issue is the “Thriving Kids” program, a $4 billion national initiative designed for children aged eight and under who have developmental delays or autism with low to moderate support needs. The goal is to gradually transition these crucial early intervention services out of the NDIS and into broader state and territory-run systems, known as “foundational supports.”

Queensland’s Stance and Federal Pushback

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has firmly declined to sign the bilateral funding deal with the Commonwealth that underpins these reforms. He voiced concerns, stating that the NDIS, “by its own admission, is a runaway train.”

“All we want is families to be protected,” Crisafulli told reporters. “Before we hop in the driver’s seat, we want the knowledge from Canberra that vulnerable people won’t be collateral damage.”

Queensland Disability Services Minister Amanda Camm echoed these sentiments, labelling Thriving Kids a “cost-shifting deal” and “a bad deal for children with a disability.” The state government has raised ongoing concerns about the program’s funding, its design, and the risk that individuals might “fall through the cracks” as responsibilities shift between different support systems.

In response, Federal NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister urged Queensland to honour an earlier agreement. “Families in Queensland are rightly asking their state government what Thriving Kids services will be in place for their children,” McAllister stated.

It’s important to note that while Premier Crisafulli has not signed the bilateral funding deal for these new reforms, Queensland had previously agreed to establish foundational supports, like Thriving Kids, in exchange for a share of $25 billion in hospital funding.

What the Changes Mean for NDIS Participants

Amidst the political dispute, it’s crucial for families and providers to understand the practical implications of these changes, particularly the timelines involved.

Children with autism currently on the NDIS will not be moved off the scheme immediately. Changes to NDIS access eligibility will not begin until 2028.

However, new Thriving Kids programs and foundational supports have already launched. This includes a dedicated Thriving Kids autism helpline and an information hub, designed to guide families through available support options.

Crucially, families in Queensland can still access these national supports, even though their state has not signed the bilateral agreement. This provides a vital avenue for information and assistance.

For other states and territories that have signed on, targeted supports will begin to be designed and rolled out from January 2027, with full implementation expected by 2028, coinciding with the NDIS eligibility changes.

It’s also important to remember that children with a permanent and significant disability, including those with high support needs, will remain eligible for the NDIS beyond 2028.

Calls for Clarity and Unity from Advocates

The uncertainty surrounding these reforms is causing widespread distress. Jenny Karavolas, independent co-chair of the Australian Autism Alliance, highlighted that confusion has become a major issue for families across the country, not just in Queensland.

“It doesn’t matter which state you’re in, families are just concerned and anxious,” Karavolas stated. “It is confusing what’s happening, when it’s happening. Everyone’s trying to get more information to make sure that it’s clearer.”

Karavolas emphasised that families need to understand that the launch of Thriving Kids does not mean children are immediately being moved off the NDIS. She stressed the importance of clear communication and collaboration between governments.

“Children shouldn’t be the shock absorber while the adults are trying to get the right systems and work out which system you’re meant to be in,” she added.

Advocacy Groups Express Concern

Several disability advocacy organisations have formally written to Queensland Disability Services Minister Amanda Camm, seeking urgent clarity on the state’s plans. These groups include People with Disability Australia, Children and Young People with Disability Australia, and the Queensland Independent Disability Advocacy Network.

They requested a meeting and outlined their shared concerns, stating: “The absence of agreement cannot mean an absence of a clear pathway forward. While other jurisdictions move into implementation, Queensland families are being asked to live with continued uncertainty about what supports will be available here and when.”

Minister on Leave Amidst Unanswered Questions

When contacted about the matter, the office of Queensland Disability Services Minister Amanda Camm indicated she was currently on leave.

Matilda Alexander, chief executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, articulated the community’s deepening unease. “People are already very stressed and anxious about changes to the NDIS, and we need to know what is coming in relation to Thriving Kids,” Alexander commented.

“Every other state and territory government has been able to communicate with their respective populations about their approach to this. We know something’s ending. We know we’re going to be falling. We don’t know what we’re going to be landing on.”

What Should Participants and Providers Do Now?

For NDIS participants, families, and providers in Queensland, the immediate advice is to focus on the information available and stay connected to trusted sources:

• No Immediate Change to NDIS Plans: Remember that NDIS eligibility changes for children with low to moderate support needs will not begin until 2028. Existing NDIS plans remain in place.
• Access Federal Thriving Kids Support: Despite the state’s refusal to sign the bilateral agreement, Queensland families can still access the new national Thriving Kids autism helpline and information hub for guidance and support.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official announcements from both federal and state governments regarding the NDIS reforms and foundational supports.
• Connect with Advocacy Groups: Reach out to disability advocacy organisations for personalised advice and to contribute to the collective voice pushing for clarity and effective implementation. These groups are working hard to ensure participants are not left behind.

The dialogue between state and federal governments is ongoing, and the disability community hopes for a clear roadmap that prioritises the needs and wellbeing of vulnerable children and their families.