Landmark Reforms to Australia’s Disability and Health Systems

The Australian Government and state and territory governments have reached a historic agreement to reform Australia’s disability and health systems.

A key element of these reforms is new investment in supports outside the NDIS, known as Foundational Supports. These services aim to provide early assistance for children and families so that developmental needs can be addressed sooner and more effectively.

What Are Foundational Supports?

Foundational Supports are community-based services designed to complement, not replace, the NDIS.

They will:

• Provide early intervention and developmental support

• Help children and families access the right services

• Reduce pressure on the NDIS by offering targeted supports outside the scheme

• Focus on children with developmental delay and low to moderate support needs

The goal is to create a stronger system where families receive timely help and appropriate pathways to long-term support.

Thriving Kids: Supporting Young Children and Families

Governments have committed to jointly investing $4 billion over five years to launch the first phase of Foundational Supports, called Thriving Kids.

This program will:

• Support children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism

• Provide services for children with low to moderate support needs

• Offer assistance to families, carers, and kin

• Strengthen early developmental outcomes

At least $1.4 billion of the Australian Government’s $2 billion contribution will be directed to states to deliver Thriving Kids services.

When Will Thriving Kids Begin?

• Services will start rolling out from 1 October 2026

• Full national rollout is expected by 1 January 2028

• Services will be tailored to meet local needs in each state and territory

The program will expand gradually to ensure high-quality, accessible support for families across Australia.

Who Will Still Be Eligible for the NDIS?

Children with permanent and significant disability — including those with developmental delay or autism requiring high levels of support — will continue to be eligible for the NDIS under existing access arrangements.

The reforms are designed to ensure:

• Children with high support needs remain within the NDIS

• Early support is available for children with lower-level needs

• Families can access the right services at the right time

This approach strengthens the overall system while protecting access for those who need intensive disability supports.

Changes to NDIS Access Arrangements

To support the rollout of Thriving Kids, governments have agreed in principle to update NDIS access arrangements for children.

These changes will require amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and will be developed in consultation with:

• Disability communities

• Families and carers

• Sector organisations

• State and territory governments

No changes will occur without broad consultation and careful planning.

What This Means for Families

• Early support services will become more widely available

• Families of children with low to moderate needs can access targeted assistance

• NDIS access will remain for children with significant disability

• Services will be rolled out gradually to ensure readiness

The aim is to create a more connected system where families receive appropriate help early.

Role of the Department

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is working with governments and the disability sector to:

• Design service models

• Finalise local and national delivery arrangements

• Engage with communities

• Ensure reforms meet participant needs

Consultation and stakeholder engagement will guide implementation.

Learn More

To read more about Thriving Kids and the reforms, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Thriving Kids webpage.