The 2023 Independent review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) review recommended the introduction of targeted foundational supports for people with psychosocial disability who were not NDIS participants. In order to explore what such supports would look like, this study conducted interviews with 37 people with high-level knowledge of the operation of the NDIS and supports for people with serious mental illness outside of the NDIS. 

Interview participants were asked about foundational supports, including general perceptions of the concept and what they would ideally include. Interview participants were very much in favour of foundational supports despite confusion about what they would look like in practice. 

Participants articulated the key dimensions of a model for foundational supports. The data is important for considering what should be included in the government's design of targeted foundational supports for psychosocial disability.

Key findings

• Foundational supports were viewed as a way of addressing many of the problems of the NDIS and a lack of access to the NDIS by people with severe mental illness.
• There were concerns about a lack of progress towards foundational supports.
• Participants felt that there should be core support offerings available in each local area including a psychosocial navigator to understand their needs and connect them to services.
• A strong ‘foundation organisation’ was viewed as important for assuring the ability of the program to deliver
  on the ground.
• The services should, where possible, be drawn from existing services available in the community.