News
NDIS funding is received by just over one tenth of the five and a half million Australians living with disability. So a lot of people living with disability who do not receive NDIS payments, along with others concerned about NDIS cuts, have been waiting for news of other forms of funding from the 2025 Budget.
Foundational Supports encompass a mix of general and targeted assistance, aiming to meet the needs of people with disability who might not qualify for the NDIS. This is a critical year for these supports as news of their scope and design is still being waited for.
So could an announcement of the figure of $364.5 million in Tuesday’s Budget be perhaps the beginning of progress for a fund that numerous disability advocates have described as thin in detail?
People with Disability Australia, argue that while this is in keeping with previous commitments and does offer some increase in years to come, it calls for urgent clarity on how these supports will be secured for the long term.
Writing on their website CEO of PWDA, Megan Spindler-Smith says:
“Seeing Foundational Supports in the budget is important. But we need more detail on how a long-term agreement will be struck with the states and territories. These supports—outside of the NDIS—are critical for people with disability to live independently and be part of our communities, especially for those who have been exited from or never had access to the Scheme.”
Yet the CEO also shared with Powerd Media that they are concerned about the on-going issue of co-design:
“It almost feels like we are somewhat invisible in this budget and only really appear as a cost or by way of explanation around any sort of fiscal risk….What we have to recognise is, that being mentioned is not being included in the budget, and a lack of actual new measures is a real concern.”
Meanwhile, CEO of Plumtree, a not-for-profit early childhood development organisation, Sylvana Mahmic, says she is pleased to see the budget will increase investments into foundational support.
“Investing…outside the NDIS is a critical step toward ensuring all children, regardless of their diagnosis or eligibility, get access to the supports they need.”
The budget outlined the funding is in addition to subsequent foundational supports funds, which are expected to be co funded with states and territories.
“This funding will make a real difference for families who have been struggling to find help,” she says.
Meanwhile, Children and Young People with Disability Australia said on its website that it was encouraged to see a figure being allocated for the supports that many people have seen as elusive:
“This is the first time a dollar value has been provided, and it is positive to see.” read the statement.
But it went on to say “Yet the Budget does not outline whether or not this funding is contingent on states and territories matching it. Cutting the NDIS without establishing robust alternatives is leaving people with disability with nowhere to turn.”
It was a concern shared with Powerd Media by CEO of PWDA, Megan Spindler-Smith: “It’s not clear if the budget…is reliant on co-funding or if it's something separate and in addition to additional co-funding processes.”