Submission 216 — Name Withheld — Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative

The Thriving Kids initiative

Concern: Implementation through Privately-Run Child-Care Centres

I am concerned about the proposal to implement the Thriving Kids initiative through privately operated childcare centres. As these centres are run on a for-profit basis, there is a risk that funds intended for child wellbeing could be diverted for operational or financial purposes.

A particular concern is that health professionals employed under this initiative could be inappropriately included in the staff-to-child ratios. This would undermine both the intent of the program and the quality of

care, as the professional’s role would  shift away from specialised support towards  fulfilling  staffing

requirements.

Concern: Extension into Primary and Secondary Schools

While schools provide an important setting for child wellbeing initiatives, there are risks in situating the Thriving Kids program within primary and high schools. Funding may be misapplied to general classroom support rather than being directed to the specific child for whom it is intended. This could dilute the impact of the program and disadvantage the targeted participant.

In addition, an exclusive focus on educational settings overlooks the critical role of parents and families. Many of the challenges children face are interconnected with family needs and circumstances. If parent needs are not addressed, the program risks offering only partial solutions that may not lead to lasting change.

Risks Identified

 Misuse of Funds in Child Care: Funding could be absorbed into broader operations or staffing ratios, reducing its intended impact.

 Fee Increases: Additional government subsidies provided to childcare centres have historically resulted in higher fees for families, undermining affordability.

 Misallocation in Schools: Funds could be redirected to benefit entire classrooms rather than the specific child identified for support.

 Parent Needs Overlooked: A program centred only on childcare and educational settings risks failing to address the family context that is essential to child wellbeing.

Recommendations

To preserve the integrity and intent of the Thriving Kids initiative:

1. Health professionals should be employed within private health professional clinics that are governed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, local community centres or mental health services, rather than directly within private childcare centres that do not have the same level of regulation.

2. These professionals should then be able to enter the childcare centres and schools only to support specific children, ensuring their role is targeted and specialised.

3. Employment and accountability should remain within the community or health sector, not within for- profit entities or education budgets.

   4. Safeguards should be implemented to ensure that funding cannot be absorbed into broader

classroom or school-wide resourcing.

5. Parent and family needs must be embedded as a core component of the initiative, with pathways for parental support and engagement alongside child-focused interventions.

6. To assist with the sustainability of the program similar funding models could be utilised as per Medicare guidelines and the Helping Children with Autism package / Better Start early intervention programmes.

Conclusion

The Thriving Kids initiative has the potential to make a significant positive impact, but only if its funding and professional roles are carefully protected. Locating professionals within the private, health and community sector, rather than within for-profit or education systems, will ensure resources are directed to the children most in need, avoid unintended misuse of funds, protect families from additional financial strain, and provide a more holistic approach that includes both children and their parents.