26 September–2 October 2026
SNAICC has called for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to be genuine partners in Thriving Kids as the initiative began rolling out across the country. SNAICC’s position featured in ABC News and was carried on Aboriginal and regional radio.
SNAICC Youth Voice was also highlighted on Koori Radio and the National Indigenous Radio Service, in a conversation about children and young people having a say in the decisions that affect them.
Here is a look at where the conversation has been, 26 September–2 October 2026.
ACCOs Must Be Partners as Thriving Kids Rolls Out
Thriving Kids began on 1 October with ABC News reporting that it remains unclear how the new system will meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The article carried SNAICC’s call for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to be properly resourced and involved in delivery.
SNAICC’s position was also reported by National Indigenous Radio Service news reporter Nahri Ford, with the report carried on Curtin FM’s Drive with Ray Finn and Radio Goolarri in Broome.
SNAICC told ABC News that ACCO-led services are trusted places that already provide wraparound, culturally strong support with the child at the centre. That makes them a tried and tested model for delivering Thriving Kids.
If implemented well, with appropriate supports available early and locally, Thriving Kids could transform access for children and families who have historically faced barriers to disability and developmental supports.
SNAICC remains concerned that uneven sector readiness, a lack of coordination and communication between governments and differences in service availability across regions could lead to inconsistent outcomes and harm to children.
SNAICC’s position has not changed since Thriving Kids was announced. Giving evidence to the parliamentary inquiry last November, SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle described the reform as a once-in-a-generation opportunity:
“This is an incredible moment of reform and if we get it right, this will be a Medicare moment for our children.”
SNAICC has argued that the first point of contact for families should be a culturally grounded service, such as ACCO playgroups, early learning centres and child and family hubs, rather than a clinical or diagnosis-led system.
The most urgent gap that needs to be addressed is shared oversight with the Australian Government and states and territories, so that ACCOs are integral to implementation.
Getting the rollout right means ACCOs are not simply consulted, but are genuine partners in design, oversight and delivery, with the resources and support to deliver.
SNAICC is continuing discussions with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and state and territory agencies about the risks and opportunities as Thriving Kids develops.
Read SNAICC’s Thriving Kids Policy Paper.
Read the media releaseSNAICC Youth Voice Highlighted ahead of Kinship Care Week
SNAICC Youth Voice was highlighted on Koori Radio and the National Indigenous Radio Service’s Blackchat, during a Kinship Care Week conversation with Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare CEO Jamie Crosby.
The conversation covered the role of kinship carers and the need for children and young people’s experiences to inform policy and services.
Crosby named SNAICC as a national partner in work to influence governments. He pointed to SNAICC Youth Voice as an example of young people contributing their views and experiences directly.
SNAICC wants Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people’s knowledge, experiences and priorities to shape the decisions and systems that affect their lives.
Learn more about SNAICC Youth Voice.
Read the media release