The Australian Society of Developmental Pediatrics (ASDP) has responded to the Australian Government’s proposed reforms to the National Disability Insurance System (NDIS) following a speech by Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler at the National Press Club this week.
ASDP recognizes the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS while continuing to deliver meaningful outcomes for children and families. The association notes that while the direction of the reforms is becoming clearer, key implementation details remain unresolved.
Developmental pediatricians work on the front lines addressing the complex needs of children and families, and reforms need to enhance, not disrupt, access to timely, evidence-based developmental care.
Dr. Katie Heathershaw, ASDP President
Refocusing the NDIS on functional needs
The ASDP supports a move away from diagnosis as the primary gateway to the NDIS and a return to the scheme’s original purpose of supporting individuals with significantly reduced functional capacity.
“The diagnosis alone does not determine a child’s needs.” Dr. Heathershaw said. “Two children with the same diagnosis can have very different levels of functional impact. Evaluations must focus on the child’s abilities, strengths, and challenges in daily living, communication, behavior, and participation.”
The association notes that a functional approach has the potential to improve equity and improve target support. However, further clarification is needed on how to assess children’s functional abilities, including whether assessment tools are evidence-based, consistent, and appropriate for their development and fluctuating conditions. It is also important to ensure that these tools are appropriate for use with children from different cultures, such as non-English speaking backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Early intervention must remain central
ASDP recognizes the Government’s focus on strengthening early support beyond the NDIS, including the development of basic supports such as those proposed under the Thriving Kids programme.
“Early detection and targeted support are critical to lifelong outcomes.” Dr. Heathershaw said. “Where support is moved outside the NDIS, it must be consistent, fair, accessible and based on development expertise.”
The association notes that these systems are not yet fully established and require coordinated implementation across state and federal systems.
Delays in accessing early supports during critical developmental periods can have lasting impacts on overall health, education, and participation outcomes.
A healthy NDIS for the future
ASDP is particularly concerned about the risk of service gaps during the transition to new models of care. Without clear and timely implementation of alternative support, children and families risk delays in accessing the services they need.
The association also highlights the need to rebuild community-based support pathways for children with mild to moderate needs, including early years, school and pre-school services, many of which have been reduced over time as the system transitions to the NDIS.
ASDP emphasizes that successful reform depends on investing in the capabilities of the workforce, including developmental pediatricians and allied health professionals, noting that functional assessment models require time, expertise, and multidisciplinary input.
“We share the government’s goal of a fair and sustainable system.” Dr. Heathershaw said. “To achieve that goal, it is important to ensure continued access to support for children, especially in the early stages of development.”
ASDP welcomes the opportunity to work with government to ensure reforms are grounded in clinical expertise and grounded in the lived experiences of children and families.
