Labor offers to delay NDIS autism changes if states agree to hospital and disability funding deal

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Tom McIlroy Political editorJanuary 28, 2026 at 03:00 PM

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The Albanese government is offering to delay the start of the $2 billion "Thriving Kids" scheme, a new program for early intervention autism services, from July 1st to October. This offer is part of a larger effort to secure an overdue funding deal with states and territories regarding hospitals and disability services. The delay comes after states indicated they were not yet prepared for the program's initial launch date. The deal also includes budget top-ups for smaller states. Premiers and chief ministers are expected to consider the proposal at Friday's national cabinet meeting in Sydney. The aim is to reach an agreement on the crucial funding arrangements.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sydney 60% National Disability Insurance Scheme 60% Thriving Kids scheme ×270% Mark Butler 70% Albanese government 80% Australia 80% Anthony Albanese ×290%

Keywords

thriving kids scheme 90% ndis 80% hospital funding 70% autism 70% disability funding 70% early intervention 60% anthony albanese 60% state governments 60% national cabinet 50%

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Positive

Score: 0.30

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The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

85%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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thriving kids scheme ndis hospital funding autism disability funding early intervention anthony albanese state governments national cabinet

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