Executive Summary 

The South West Autism Network (SWAN) supports the introduction of General Foundational Supports but expresses significant concerns about the proposed rollout's practicality, pace, and potential risks. This submission highlights the importance of a co-designed, inclusive, and equitable approach that places people with disability and their families at the centre of all planning and implementation. 

Key concerns include: 

• Insufficient timeframes for meaningful co-design and consultation. 
• Lack of clarity and information about the structure and delivery of Foundational Supports. 
• Severe workforce shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas. 
• Risks of inequity and unintended harm from proposed delivery in school settings. 

SWAN proposes practical, participant-led solutions to ensure the effectiveness of General Foundational Supports. These include slowing down the rollout to align with the Independent NDIS Review’s recommended five-year timeline, establishing sustainable funding for grassroots peer support organisations, prioritising workforce development, and creating robust evaluation mechanisms to monitor and improve outcomes. 

Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap to deliver equitable and high-quality supports that meet the diverse needs of people with disability across Australia. By adopting these recommendations, the Government can avoid costly errors, reduce harm, and foster trust within the disability community.

see the full submission here.