Labor is facing a growing revolt by the states over plans to provide early intervention autism services through a new $2bn national scheme, with Victoria’s disability minister warning children’s rights must not be traded away “for 30 pieces of silver”.

States and territories were blind-sided by last month’s announcement from the health minister, Mark Butler, that the federal government had scrapped plans for locally provided services for children with mild autism and other developmental issues, as part of efforts to ease pressure on the rapidly growing NDIS budget.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese , wrote to state premiers last week saying negotiations on a new national health funding deal would remain tied to planning for the nearly $50bn NDIS, including moves to shift childhood

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