Media Release: Response to “Thriving Kids” Program Announcement (short summary)
MEDIA RELEASE GRAB (or Short Summary) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
21 August 2025
Enabling Every Child to Thrive Equitably – No Potential Capped
Australian Autism Alliance response to Minister Butler’s National Press Club Address, 20 August 2025
The Australian Autism Alliance responds to Minister Butler’s National Press Club address.
“We welcome Minister Mark Butler’s commitment to investing in children, but Autistic children must not be left behind. The diversion of Autistic children from the NDIS risks undermining their futures. Any move away from the NDIS without suitable alternatives risks compounding already poor life outcomes.” – Jenny Karavolos, Co-Chair, Australian Autism Alliance
The assurances provided by Minister Butler are vital, and we will hold the government accountable to them.
We call for, but not limited to:
- No-gap protections – no child loses supports before new ones exist
- Clear funding & State/Territory commitments
- Genuine co-design with Autistic people & families
- Fully align with the National Autism Strategy & Disability Royal Commission recommendations.
Autistic children are precious and capable – their potential must never be capped.
Autism is a life-long neurodevelopmental disability. Support needs may be ongoing, fluctuating, and context-dependent as reflected in the National Autism Strategy. Over 95% of Autistic people have a co-occurring disability and/or medical or mental health condition and/or face multiple and overlapping forms of disadvantage and discrimination due to intersectional identities.
About the Australian Autism Alliance: We are the national peak body furthering the rights and
interests of Autistic people across the life span, their parents and carers, and the autism community in Australia. The members represent a cohesive national network of key organisations with a diverse focus on autism. For more information about Australian Autism Alliance go to:
australianautismalliance.org.au and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
Media enquiries: Jenny Karavolos | Australian Autism Alliance, Co-Chair
Emails: jenkaravolos@outlook.com | chair@australianautismalliance.org.au