Nurses can help kids and families thrive

Media Statement - Tuesday 21 October 2025 

Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association President Denise Lyons is today giving evidence to the Parliamentary inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative, highlighting how nurses can play a critical role in supporting kids and families to thrive.  

“Far too often, it’s a post-code lottery, as a child’s access to early identification and intervention services is impacted by where they live”, said APNA President Denise Lyons.  

“Nurses are uniquely positioned across the Australian health care sector to support parents with questions or concerns about their child’s development. They can support the early identification of developmental delay and autism, as part of the care they provide for families across both metropolitan and rural areas.”  

“We know that if nurses are supported and trained in evidence-based screening tools, we can contribute to ending the current post-code lottery, and help ensure that every child gets timely, appropriate care.”  

For further information, please contact: 

Tarek Dale, Public Affairs Manager

media@apna.asn.au

About APNA 

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. APNA champions the role of primary health care nurses; to advance professional recognition, ensure workforce sustainability, nurture leadership in health, and optimise the role of nurses in patient-centred care. 

APNA is bold, vibrant and future-focused. We reflect the views of our membership and the broader profession by bringing together nurses from across Australia to represent, advocate, promote and celebrate the achievements of nurses in primary health care. 

APNA represents a significant and rapidly expanding workforce; primary health care nurses account for around one in eight of the 640,000 registered health professionals in Australia