State foundational support programs: where each state is at

The centrepiece of the April 2026 reforms is the shift of around 160,000 NDIS participants to a new tier of state-funded “foundational supports.” But those programs don’t exist yet. Here’s the current picture, state by state.

The problem

The federal government has announced the reform. States have agreed in principle to co-fund the foundational tier. But the actual programs — what services are available, who qualifies, how to access them, how much funding there is — are still being designed in most jurisdictions.

For participants who may be affected, this uncertainty is the most pressing practical problem. The reassessments won’t begin until 2028 at the earliest, but planning needs to happen now.

State by state

New South Wales — Announced

NSW has committed to a foundational supports program in response to the April 2026 reforms. Details including eligibility, service types, and funding levels have not been confirmed. The NSW Government has pointed to its Disability Inclusion Action Plan as the framework.

Who to contact: NSW FACS — facs.nsw.gov.au

Victoria — In development

Victoria has existing state disability services through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) that pre-date the NDIS and were partially wound back when the NDIS launched. Some legacy services remain operational. A new foundational support framework is in development.

Victoria is in a stronger position than most states because of these legacy services — but the new foundational layer scope has not been confirmed.

Who to contact: DFFH — dffh.vic.gov.au

Queensland — Announced

Queensland has committed to foundational supports in response to the April announcement. Operational details expected later in 2026. Queensland had some existing community disability services that may form the base of the new program.

Who to contact: Queensland Department of Communities — communities.qld.gov.au

Western Australia — In development

WA is developing a Foundational Disability Supports framework. Eligibility and service scope not yet confirmed. WA has historically maintained some state disability services alongside the NDIS.

Who to contact: Disability Services Commission WA — disability.wa.gov.au

South Australia — Most advanced

SA is the only state with an operational foundational support program. The Thriving Kids early intervention pilot launched in September 2025 — providing therapy and support for children under 9 as an alternative to NDIS early childhood pathways. It is the only working model of a foundational support program anywhere in the country, and serves as the proof-of-concept the federal government is pointing to.

The broader adult foundational support program is still in development, but SA is 12–18 months ahead of every other state.

Who to contact: Department of Human Services SA — dhs.sa.gov.au

Tasmania — Announced

Tasmania has committed to foundational supports but has the smallest disability sector infrastructure of any mainland-equivalent jurisdiction. Details not confirmed.

Who to contact: Department of Communities Tasmania — communities.tas.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory — In development

The ACT is developing foundational disability supports. The ACT has a relatively small population but an established disability advocacy sector. Details not yet confirmed.

Who to contact: ACT Community Services Directorate — communityservices.act.gov.au

Northern Territory — Announced

The NT has committed to foundational supports. The NT has significant unique challenges — remote service delivery, high rates of complex disability, and existing service gaps — that will affect how foundational supports are designed and funded.

Who to contact: NT Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities — tfhc.nt.gov.au

What this means for you

If you’re currently on the NDIS, nothing changes right now. The foundational programs need to be operational before any reassessments happen. The government has committed that participants won’t be moved off the NDIS until there’s a working program in their state to move to.

The practical steps:

Monitor your state government’s disability services announcements
Contact your state disability advocacy service for updates
Use the 5-minute check on this site to understand your personal exposure level

Last updated May 2026. State program information changes frequently — check directly with your state government for the latest.