Foundational Supports — the new disability support tier sitting outside the NDIS — are moving from design to delivery. Here’s the latest on what’s happening in Western Australia.
Information current as of June 2025. Rollout timelines are subject to government decision and may change. This article is general information only — not NDIS, legal, or financial advice.
Where are we now?
National Cabinet agreed to the Foundational Supports framework in 2024. The Commonwealth and state/territory governments have been working through the design, funding, and delivery arrangements throughout 2024–25.
The agreed approach involves:
- Commonwealth funding and providing some services nationally (information, peer support)
- State and territory governments designing and delivering locally appropriate services
Western Australia’s timeline
WA’s rollout of locally-delivered Foundational Supports is expected to begin in late 2025, following the national implementation schedule agreed with the federal government.
The specific services available in WA will depend on the WA Government’s negotiations with Canberra and the capacity of existing WA disability services infrastructure to expand.
What supports are likely first?
Based on the government’s stated priorities, the first Foundational Supports are likely to include:
- Information and navigation hubs — helping people understand what support is available and how to access it
- Peer support networks — connecting people with disability with others who have lived experience
- Carer support services — expanded respite and wellbeing programs
- Early childhood supports — particularly for children with developmental delay
Who will this affect in Perth?
Foundational Supports are primarily aimed at people who:
- Don’t meet NDIS eligibility criteria but have disability-related support needs
- Are exiting the NDIS (no longer eligible but still needing some support)
- Are on a waitlist for NDIS access
- Have lower-level support needs better met outside the formal NDIS structure
If you’re already an NDIS participant, your plan is not affected.
Source: Department of Social Services — NDIS reforms
General information only
This article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute NDIS, legal, or financial advice. NDIS rules and supports vary by individual plan. For advice specific to your situation, speak with your Support Coordinator or contact the NDIA directly at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.