Funding gaps failing Australian children, say psychologists  

07 October 2025 

Psychologists are on the front line of identifying and supporting children with developmental delays, but current funding makes services inaccessible for too many families, says the peak body for all psychologists.   

As part of its submission to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability for the Thriving Kids Initiative, the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) is urging the Federal Government to provide greater funding for psychological assessment and intervention services to support children’s developmental needs.

AAPi Chief Psychologist Amanda Curran has warned that gaps in Medicare and other systems are leaving many children behind.

“The Thriving Kids Initiative is an opportunity to address long-standing inequities in access to early developmental and psychological support,” Ms Curran said.

“Early intervention changes lives - but it requires real investment in assessment and treatment through Medicare and mainstream services.”

AAPi’s submission highlights key reforms needed to help Australian children reach their potential, including:

• Funding Medicare rebates for developmental assessments identified by GPs
• Increasing the number of Medicare sessions available for early intervention
• Embedding psychologists within early childhood and school settings
• Ensuring neurodiversity-affirming, culturally safe, and family-centred care
• Strengthening the psychology workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Ms Curran said while Australia has effective programs such as the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, gaps remain for children whose needs fall outside the scheme.

“If we are serious about helping every child to thrive, psychologists must be properly supported to do the work they are trained for - providing early, evidence-based, family-centred care,” she said.

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