Bilateral agreement

An agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory about how the NDIS operates in that area.

What it means

A bilateral agreement is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government that sets out how the two levels of government will work together to deliver and fund the NDIS in that state or territory. Because the NDIS is jointly run, both governments share responsibility for making the scheme work, and a bilateral agreement puts that shared responsibility in writing.

These agreements cover things like each government's funding contributions, their roles and responsibilities, how services will connect with other systems such as health and education, and how the transition to the NDIS is managed. The aim is to make sure the scheme operates consistently across the country while still reflecting the local arrangements and needs of each state or territory.

In practice

For most participants, a bilateral agreement works quietly in the background. You will rarely deal with one directly, but it shapes how the NDIS operates where you live, including how the NDIS connects with mainstream services run by your state or territory.

For example, a bilateral agreement can help clarify which government is responsible for a particular type of support, so people do not fall through the gaps between systems. This matters when a person's needs cross over between disability supports and areas like health, housing or transport. Governments periodically review and update these agreements, and the details are usually published so the public can see what has been agreed. If you ever want to understand how disability funding responsibilities are divided in your area, the relevant bilateral agreement is a useful reference point.

A real example

For example, Priya wants to understand why a certain support she needs is provided through her state's health system rather than her NDIS plan. Her support coordinator explains that the split between systems reflects arrangements set out in the bilateral agreement between her state and the Australian Government. Knowing this helps Priya direct her request to the right service instead of being passed back and forth.

Bilateral agreement — FAQs

What is a bilateral agreement in the NDIS?
It is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government that sets out how they will jointly deliver and fund the NDIS in that area. It covers shared responsibilities, funding contributions and how the scheme connects with other services, helping the NDIS run consistently while reflecting local arrangements.
Do I need to read the bilateral agreement to use my NDIS plan?
No. A bilateral agreement operates in the background between governments and does not change how you use your plan day to day. You work with your planner, support coordinator and providers as usual. The agreement simply shapes how governments share responsibility for delivering the scheme where you live.
Why does the NDIS need agreements between governments?
Because the NDIS is jointly funded and run by the Australian Government together with states and territories. Written agreements make each government's roles, funding and responsibilities clear. This helps the scheme operate consistently across the country, connects the NDIS with mainstream services, and reduces the risk of people falling through gaps between systems.
Does a bilateral agreement affect what supports I can get?
Not directly. Your funded supports are decided through your own planning process based on your needs and goals. However, bilateral agreements can influence which system delivers certain supports, such as whether something sits with the NDIS or a state-run service like health or education, so they shape how supports are organised.
Are bilateral agreements the same in every state and territory?
They follow a shared national framework but are not identical. Each agreement reflects the local arrangements and needs of that state or territory, so some details differ. The overall goal is consistency across the scheme while still allowing for local circumstances. Published versions of the agreements set out the specific arrangements for each area.

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