A week out from the launch of Thriving Kids, the minister who announced the program to shift some children under nine off the NDIS has criticized out at the last state yet to formally sign its side of the deal.
The Queensland government says it remains concerned the Commonwealth is walking away from vulnerable Australians.
A frustrated federal Health Minister Mark Butler has denounced the Queensland government over its refusal to sign up for the Thriving Kids program, a week before the first phase of the NDIS alternative for some children is set to begin.
Announced last August, Thriving Kids is a pillar of the federal government's efforts to curb spending on the $51 billion NDIS, and will see states and territories provide services for children under nine with developmental delay or autism who have "low to moderate" support needs.
Queensland's Liberal National government has held out on signing up, accusing the Albanese government of cost shifting and failing to explain information about the program, including how "low to moderate" support needs would be defined.
Earlier this year, the premiers and chief ministers of all states and territories, including Queensland, agreed to set up "foundational supports" outside the NDIS, such as Thriving Kids, in exchange for $25 billion in hospital funding from the Commonwealth.
Autism Association of Australia CEO Nicole Rogerson said it was "not OK" that Queensland was yet to formally commit to Thriving Kids.
A spokesperson for Queensland's Acting Disability Minister Ros Bates said the state government's concerns remained.