Early Intervention: A Smart Investment, Not a Cost

We’re disappointed, yet not surprised, to learn that Australia is losing over $20 billion a year because we continue to delay critical support for children and young people's early developmental, education and health needs. As Nicola Forrest aptly puts it, taxpayer dollars are being squandered on reactive fixes - rather than invested in prevention.

At TRACTION, we firmly believe that early intervention is foundational - both for children and young people’s long-term outcomes and for societal sustainability.

Why we’re raising our voice:

Compounding Consequences

When developmental or health concerns aren’t addressed early, they often escalate - resulting in increased costs in education, healthcare, justice, and social services down the track.

Economic Impact

Proactive investment now saves vastly more later. A shift from reaction to prevention isn’t just humane - it’s fiscally responsible.

Empowering Young People Through Connection and Purpose

When young people are given access to safe environments, supportive mentors, and opportunities to contribute through hands-on learning, they discover their strengths, build confidence, and reconnect with their education and communities. This is the foundation for long-term wellbeing and participation.

Our Concern: Growing Disengagement

At TRACTION, we’re deeply worried about rising disengagement - be it from school, work, or community participation. Reactively waiting for children and young people to “fail” before stepping in only increases disengagement risks that are far costlier to reverse.

What TRACTION Advocates:

• Evidence-based early intervention programs that screen, support, and nurture young people before issues become entrenched.

• Cross-sector collaboration - ensuring healthcare providers, educators, community services, and policymakers align around early development priorities.

• Continuous monitoring and evaluation - so we know what works and can scale effective interventions across the nation.

We also applaud the Minderoo Foundation for their extensive work and advocacy in this area. Their leadership in driving the early intervention agenda is vital to shifting systems and influencing policy change.

We all have a choice: continue pouring billions into preventable problems - or reap the long-term benefits of early, strategic support.

Let’s redirect our resources to where they matter most - building capability rather than patching consequences.