That ICPA (Aust) advocates to the Australian Government to ensure the implementation of the Thriving Kids program delivers equitable, accessible and appropriate services for children living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
The proposed transition to the Thriving Kids model represents a significant reform to early childhood disability and developmental support services.
ICPA (Aust) acknowledges concerns regarding the potential impacts on geographically isolated families, particularly:
• reduced service accessibility,
• workforce shortages,
• regional service deserts,
• and inequitable access to early intervention services.
Children living in rural and remote Australia already experience significant barriers to accessing allied health and disability services.
ICPA (Aust) believes any reform must ensure:
• fair and equitable access regardless of location,
• meaningful consultation with rural and remote families,
• appropriate workforce planning for regional Australia,
• and safeguards to ensure isolated children are not disadvantaged under the new model.
