As the National Disability Insurance Scheme struggles to sustain demand, the government has turned its attention to Foundational Supports – a tier of “community-based” supports outside of the Scheme.  

Last Wednesday saw Minister for Disability, Mark Butler, announce the 2-billion-dollar Thriving Kids Program, shifting towards that tier, while cutting some from NDIS – a move which has proved controversial amongst advocates and the disability community.

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Nils Versemann

Produced By: Sam Georgiou

Featured In Story: Nicole Rogerson – CEO, Autism Awareness Australia

First aired on The Wire, Monday 25 August 2025