GPs must be at the heart of the Thriving Kids initiative

The call is part of the AMA’s submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative, which aims to establish a national system of supports for children aged eight years and under with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism.  

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said it was essential policymakers recognised the pivotal role GPs play in early intervention and ongoing care.  

“GPs are often the first point of contact for families,” Dr McMullen said. “They are trusted, accessible, and uniquely placed to spot developmental concerns early. If we want Thriving Kids to succeed, we must invest in general practice — with funding to support longer consultations, team-based care, and stronger referral pathways, especially in rural and remote communities.” 

Dr McMullen will appear today at a public hearing of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability’s Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative, reinforcing the AMA’s commitment to ensuring GPs are central to its design and implementation. 

Dr McMullen called on the government to build on existing primary care systems to ensure all children have equitable access to early developmental support. Key AMA recommendations include: 

• Primary care integration: Position GPs as central to early identification and ongoing care, leveraging existing GP-led immunisation visits for developmental screening. 

• Workforce development: Invest in workforce growth and training, and support national strategies to address shortages in general practice, paediatrics, and child psychiatry. 

• Sustainable funding: Reinstate targeted Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for developmental screening, expand funding for multidisciplinary care, and modernise the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP).  

• Timely access: Streamline referrals to paediatricians, child psychiatrists, and allied health professionals, and expand telehealth and video conferencing — particularly for rural/remote areas.  

“We already have the foundations — now it’s time to build a system that works for every child,” Dr McMullen said. “GPs must be empowered to walk alongside families from the first moment of concern through to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.” 

The AMA is also advocating for developmental screening — whether it be in the community or within primary care — to be supported by integrated digital health records. 

“Every child deserves the chance to thrive — no matter where they live or what challenges they face,” Dr McMullen said. “That starts with recognising the central role of primary care and equipping GPs with the time, tools, and support they need to make a lasting difference.”