Thriving Kids will be rolled out differently across jurisdictions, with significant implications for occupational therapists (OTs) and the children and families they support. A key issue is the funding and commissioning models being developed by state and territory governments.

Many of these decisions are still being worked through. Victoria and Queensland are yet to finalise bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth, and implementation approaches continue to evolve nationally. While these decisions are being made, now is the time for advocacy.

OTA’s position

Occupational therapy is central to the success of Thriving Kids. The program cannot deliver meaningful outcomes for children and families unless OTs are meaningfully included in both the design and delivery of services.

OTA is actively engaging with governments to ensure implementation decisions support access, quality and outcomes for children and families.

As part of this work, OTA has been advocating for models that enable private OT providers to participate alongside public and NGO services. Effective system design should build on existing local service capacity rather than duplicating services. Private practices represent a large and essential part of the workforce that will be required to deliver Thriving Kids successfully.

Recent developments in NSW are therefore a significant concern. These are outlined below, alongside a call to action for NSW members, and an opportunity for Tasmanian members to engage directly through consultation. WA has also opened a survey seeking feedback from the community.

OTA is also actively considering further ways members can take action locally as implementation progresses.

New South Wales: Major and Concerning Update for Private Paediatric OT providers

There has been a significant development in NSW that raises serious concerns for the profession and for families. 

Last week, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) announced an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for Thriving Kids that effectively excludes the majority of private paediatric OT providers.

According to DCJ procurement information, Thriving Kids services will be delivered by NSW Government agencies and non‑government organisations (NGOs) commissioned by DCJ. Separate processes are proposed for:

• NSW Government agencies, and
• Private providers “where required”.

This raises serious concerns about whether private occupational therapists will be meaningfully included at all. More information can be found on the DCJ website.

OTA’s response to NSW

OTA is seeking urgent clarification from DCJ and is strongly advocating for this decision to be reconsidered. NGOs alone cannot deliver what has been promised to children and families across NSW. Excluding private OTs will:

• limit access for families
• compromise outcomes
• undermine the intent of Thriving Kids from the outset

This is a short‑sighted decision and it needs to be fixed.

Key NSW details

• Procurement process: Two‑stage (EOI → Request for Tender)
• Services expected to commence: October 2026
• EOIs close: 3pm, 29 May 2026

What NSW members can do now

OTA is calling on NSW members to advocate alongside us directly to DCJ.

• DCJ: thrivingkids@dcj.nsw.gov.au
• NSW Premier, Chris Minns: kogarah@parliament.nsw.gov.au
• NSW Minister, Kate Washington: portstephens@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Please cc: policy@otaus.com.au

Submit an EOI

Even where eligibility is unclear, submitting an EOI sends a strong message:

Thriving Kids cannot succeed without private occupational therapists.

Learn more and apply here.

Tasmania: Thriving Kids consultation and engagement underway

The Tasmanian State Government has commenced a series of consultation and engagement sessions outlining the proposed approach and staged implementation of Thriving Kids. These sessions provide an important opportunity to understand what is proposed and to provide feedback.

Representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, together with Nous Group consultants, will be holding face‑to‑face sessions in:

• Burnie – Monday 18 May
• Launceston – Tuesday 19 May
• Hobart – Wednesday 20 May

Online engagement sessions

Two online sessions are also available:

• Wednesday 27 May (5–6pm) – Families and community members
• Thursday 28 May (11am–12 noon) – Service providers

Register here.

For further information, email thriving.kids@dpac.tas.gov.au.

OTA encourages Tasmanian members to attend and help ensure the role and value of occupational therapy is clearly articulated through the consultation process.

Western Australia: Thriving Kids consultation

The Western Australian Government is also seeking feedback from service providers and community organisations to help shape the design and rollout of Thriving Kids. Their survey will remain open until 5pm on Sunday 17 May. Find out more and have your say here.