Thriving Kids reform offers the opportunity to move beyond program-by-program responses and instead focus on building a more relational system. We have an opportunity to reframe the narrative around developmental delay and how supports are provided.

A well-organised and calm early learning setting, run by teachers and educators who understand a child’s signals can be more therapeutic than a clinic. A child’s everyday environments and their family have the biggest impact on a child’s upbringing, but parents and carers also need support to build their capacity to advocate for their child to ensure their child achieves their goals.

We encourage the Committee to consider design propositions that provide policymakers with options rather than prescriptive program models. Effective reform will not look the same everywhere. Instead, it must be place-based, tailored to the needs of different communities, and flexible enough to be trialled, tested, and adapted over time.

By taking this approach, Thriving Kids can drive meaningful change across systems and ensure every child is supported to reach their full potential.