This motion, brought forward by Canberra Liberals MLA Chiaka Barry, called on the ACT Government to set out a plan for the implementation of Foundational Supports, including “Thriving Kids”, and regularly report back to the Assembly on its progress.

This followed a recent announcement by the Federal Health Minister that children under nine with ‘mild to moderate’ autism and developmental delays will no longer be covered under the NDIS, but supported by a new ‘Thriving Kids’ program, which came in the context of protracted negotiations between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments since late 2023 regarding the future of the NDIS. 

The Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr MLA, moved amendments to the motion to better align its calls with what is within the ACT Government’s remit, as the NDIS reforms are being driven by the Commonwealth Government. As such, the ACT Government cannot provide much of the information the motion calls on the government to provide. Minister Orr instead called on the ACT Government to continue to advocate to the Commonwealth for more detail on the Thriving Kids program, and to provide regular updates to the Assembly on this work. 

Thomas had worked closely with Minister Orr on her amendments and saw her position as sensible, but moved further amendments calling on the ACT Government to work proactively to ensure people with disability in the ACT continue to receive the support they need, to make clear to the Commonwealth that the Assembly expects a far more detailed plan regarding the rollout of the NDIS reforms, and to provide further detail when reporting back to the Assembly on negotiations with the Commonwealth. 

Thomas’ amendments to Minister Orr’s amendments were supported by ACT Labor, but opposed by the ACT Greens and the Canberra Liberals. 

The Assembly divided on Minister Orr’s amendments, which were opposed by all other Members except ACT Labor and Thomas, and the unamended motion passed on the voices.