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Thriving Kids program not intended to be state-based, advisory panel member claims

By bobb |
In short: A member of the Thriving Kids advisory panel says the state-based model being adopted is a departure from the original intention of the program. Tim Jones says he fears the program has been used to gain leverage during negotiations over public hospital funding. What's next? Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is working constructively with the states and territories on the changes.

A4's submissions on Butler's NDIS Bill

By convenor |

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) made submissions and appeared before the Senate Committee. Like the rest of the disability sector, A4 expressed extremely strong opposition to Labor's proposed legislation. 

A4's representative, Bob Buckley, appeared before the Committee at 12noon on 10/6/2026 ... together with representatives from the Australian Autism Alliance and SWAN/EAC. 

Attorney-general disavows responsibility for the recently-created Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

By convenor |

Recent communication with the Attorney-General shows major disinterest in whether the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) that the government created in 2024 works effectively. 

A4's major concerns with the operation of the ART's NDIS division include:

ART allows arbitrary delay in making its decisions

By convenor |

The email chain below shows Bob Buckley's email discussion with the ART about delays in Members making decisions following a final hearing in NDIS matters. The ART says there is no time constraint. 

The heads of the ART and the NDIS division have not responded. The Attorney-General is also uninterested. 

There is an old legal maxim that says "Justice delayed is justice denied". The principle of timely decisions was established in the Magna Carta, the foundation of our legal system. 

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