What is Thriving Kids? Professor Frank Oberklaid AM interviewed on the ABC
- Published
- Monday, February 9, 2026 - 12:00 PM
Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Director, Professor Frank Oberklaid AM has been featured on the latest episode of the ABC’s Insiders on Background.
David Speers interviewed Professor Oberklaid, who co-chaired the Thriving Kids Advisory Group alongside The Hon Mark Butler, MP.
Thriving Kids will establish services and supports run by states and territories, outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It aims to identify children with additional developmental needs as early as possible, to ensure that evidence-based supports can be as effective as possible.
Listen to the episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/politics-now/thriving-kids-insiders/106310988
The Advisory Group recently released their final report, outlining their proposed national model for Thriving Kids. The report is accessible here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report?language=en
Find out more about Thriving Kids program here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/thriving-kids
We gratefully acknowledge the Victorian Department of Education, The Ian Potter Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Helen McPherson Smith Trust, SALT Catalyst, Bupa, The Ross Trust, the R.M. Ansett Trust, The Bryan Foundation and the Shepherd Foundation for their support of the MHiPS initiative.