7am The kids being kicked off the NDIS
Nov 11, 2025
Rick Morton, an investigative journalist, discusses the proposed Thriving Kids program and its potential impact on children with autism and developmental delays. He highlights the federal government's plans to transition support from the NDIS to this new scheme, which may shift responsibilities to state governments. Morton reveals the ongoing tensions and disagreements among ministers over funding and clarity, while noting that many children are already facing reassessments and removals. The conversation paints a concerning picture of children's futures in the face of bureaucratic changes.
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States Sidelined In NDIS Talks
- State ministers were given only two minutes each to discuss complex NDIS foundational supports and were rightly frustrated.
- Rick Morton says the federal process felt like a rushed, non-consultative push to push decisions through a “black box.”
Funding Demand Sparked Showdown
- Mark Butler demanded states match $2 billion federal funding for Thriving Kids, prompting a state backlash.
- That demand set a confrontational tone and led ministers to call the process insulting.
Shifting Costs Off The NDIS
- Thriving Kids aims to shift low-level supports off the NDIS to states to curb scheme growth.
- Morton warns this shifts cost back to states while leaving details and metrics opaque.