Federal Budget Proposal Targets Early Childhood
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is advocating for a $160 million allocation in the upcoming Federal Budget to boost early childhood health services across Australia. This investment is targeted at enhancing the first 2000 days of a child’s life through comprehensive health assessments conducted by General Practitioners (GPs). These assessments are crucial for identifying developmental delays early, ensuring that children receive timely support and intervention.
RACGP’s proposal involves extending the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to cover annual developmental checks for children up to five-and-a-half years old. This initiative seeks to identify developmental disabilities, such as autism, at an earlier stage. Dr. Michael Wright, RACGP President, stated, “The first 2000 days of a child’s life shape their future. Specialist GPs are uniquely positioned to identify developmental concerns early, support families, and coordinate care, but they need the right tools and funding to do it effectively.”
According to National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) data, 120,000 NDIS participants are children aged eight and younger, with low or moderate support needs for autism or developmental delays. The upcoming Thriving Kids reforms, set to begin in October, aim to support this cohort by providing necessary resources and connecting families with essential services.
RACGP’s investment is expected to significantly benefit one in five children with disabilities or developmental concerns by providing earlier access to support services. Families would be connected to essential resources through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, tailored to each child’s clinical needs.
Early intervention can greatly improve children’s development and reduce the necessity for costly educational and healthcare interventions later in life. The initiative aligns with government strategies, including the Early Years Strategy 2024–34, to ensure comprehensive child welfare.
Specialist GPs often collaborate with allied health professionals and early childhood education settings. However, fragmented referral pathways and limited service availability can delay support, particularly for children with mild-to-moderate needs. Annual Health Assessments during a child’s first 2000 days would enable early screening and identification of developmental concerns, including autism, well before the current average age of diagnosis.
These assessments will support the development of key skills such as communication, social interaction, motor skills, and emotional regulation. They will also identify nutritional and dental issues that may affect long-term health and ensure mental health and wellbeing are included in early childhood checks, in line with national guidelines.
Dr. Wright concluded, “By funding annual developmental checks, the Government can help ensure every child has the best possible start in life. This investment will ensure children get the support they need at the right time, rather than waiting until challenges become harder and more costly to address.”
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 12:06 pm
