ATO reveals one-quarter of big firms paid zero tax; NDIS alternative Thriving Kids launches amid Queensland's refusal

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released its latest corporate transparency report, revealing a striking statistic: more than one-quarter of large companies operating in Australia paid zero income tax during the 2024-25 financial year. This finding underscores ongoing concerns about corporate tax avoidance and the effectiveness of current tax legislation in ensuring significant businesses contribute to public revenue. The ATO has stated its commitment to scrutinizing companies, particularly those in high-growth or significant industries like data centres, to ensure that their tax liabilities accurately reflect their economic activity within Australia. This intensified focus aims to enhance tax compliance and potentially increase government revenue, addressing a persistent issue in corporate taxation policy.

In parallel, a new early intervention service program, named Thriving Kids, commenced on February 4, 2026, offering support to children under nine years old who have mild developmental delays and autism. This program is designed to provide crucial early support and will be administered by state and territory governments. The Albanese government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, first announced the Thriving Kids initiative in August 2025 as a strategic shift away from certain services currently provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The overarching goal is to gradually transition eligible children off the NDIS, with Thriving Kids intended to fully replace NDIS services for this specific cohort by 2028. A key feature differentiating Thriving Kids from the NDIS is its accessibility; participation will not require a formal diagnosis, a move anticipated to significantly expedite access to essential services and alleviate financial pressures on families. Health Minister Mark Butler has publicly assured parents that this transition will be seamless, guaranteeing no gap in government support for their children. However, a significant hurdle has emerged, with Queensland being the sole Australian state that has thus far refused to sign on to the Thriving Kids program. This non-participation leaves families in Queensland in a state of uncertainty as the initial phase of this NDIS replacement scheme rolls out across the nation. The differing approaches to Thriving Kids highlight the complexities of intergovernmental cooperation in delivering national services and the potential for regional disparities in support access.