Victoria
Federal minister denounces Queensland over Thriving Kids program delay
The federal health minister has criticised Queensland for failing to sign on to the Thriving Kids program ahead of its launch next week.
The federal health minister has strongly criticised the Queensland government over its refusal to sign up to the new Thriving Kids program, just one week before the first phase of the initiative is scheduled to begin.
According to reporting by wire services, the federal government has expressed deep frustration with Queensland's stance. The Commonwealth's denunciation highlights a growing division between federal and state health authorities on the eve of the national rollout.
At this stage, very few details have been publicly released about the specific mechanics of the Thriving Kids initiative. It is not yet clear how much funding is attached to the program, what its exact clinical or community objectives are, or which age groups it is designed to target.
Furthermore, the wire reports do not confirm whether other Australian states and territories, including Victoria, have already signed bilateral agreements to participate in the first phase. The federal health minister has not outlined what the immediate consequences will be for Queensland families if the state remains outside the program when it launches.
The Queensland government has not yet provided a detailed public explanation for its decision to hold out. It remains unconfirmed whether the disagreement stems from funding arrangements, administrative jurisdiction, or specific policy differences regarding child health.
With only seven days remaining until the scheduled launch, the stand-off threatens to complicate the initial implementation of the health initiative.
Observers will be watching to see whether federal and Queensland officials can negotiate a last-minute agreement before the program's first phase officially commences next week.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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