Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia call on the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments to show national leadership and urgently commit to clear, consistent implementation of Foundational Supports, which are due to commence on 1 July 2025. 

With just months to go, critical action is needed for a nationally consistent framework – not just to deliver on the recommendations of the NDIS Review – but to ensure no person with a developmental delay or disability falls through the cracks. 

Significant uncertainty surrounds how people with disability or developmental delay, especially those not eligible for the NDIS, will access the care they need.  These peak bodies warn that the lack of a clear national framework will worsen inequities, with people’s access to support varying depending on which State or Territory they live in. We are urging the State, Territory and Commonwealth Governments to work together and ensure Targeted Foundational Supports are underpinned by eight key principles, including: 

• National minimum standards to prevent a postcode lottery causing discrepancies in supports accessible in each State and Territory 
• Recognition of the essential role of allied health
• Utilisation of the whole allied health workforce, across public and private sectors 
• Provision of both direct and indirect supports, for those who need them 
• Choice of provider and service, and recognition of current services that are working well 
• Continuity of care through timely access and integration with the NDIS, health, and education systems
• Person-centred, culturally safe, and accessible supports
• Governance and compliance systems that keep participants safe and minimise administrative burden for service providers.

We call on the Commonwealth Government to work in genuine partnership with states and territories and the allied health sector to co-design and implement a national system of Foundational Supports. Our workforce stands ready to collaborate to ensure the system delivers timely, equitable and high-quality care. 

Read the full list of key principles.

Quotes attributable to Speech Pathology Australia CEO, Lyn Brodie

“We are concerned about reports of people being removed from the NDIS with no alternative funding mechanism to support them. People with disability or developmental delay deserve access to high-quality support, no matter where they live, and regardless of whether they are eligible for the NDIS.

“That is why we are urging governments to commit to a clear and connected system of Foundational Supports underpinned by strong minimum standards.”

Quotes attributable to Dietitians Australia CEO, Magriet Raxworthy

“A fragmented approach to the Foundational Supports rollout will send us backwards as a nation. We must ensure we are cohesively providing the individualised care and capacity building health supports people with disability and developmental delay have a right to receive.

“We urge Governments to ensure the new system makes it easy to access the care people require and does not leave people in a situation where they are having to continually advocate for the supports they need.”

For Dietitians Australia media enquiries and interviews, please contact Media Manager Amy Phillips on 0409 661 920.

Note to Editors: Dietitians Australia is the leading voice in nutrition and dietetics, representing dietitians nationally and advocating for healthier communities. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.

For Speech Pathology Australia media enquiries, please email:  media@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au 

About Speech Pathology Australia: Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is Australia’s peak body for speech pathologists, representing over 15,000 members. Our purpose is to empower speech pathologists and strengthen access to speech pathology for people with communication and swallowing needs.