Media Release by Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

Morrison Government cracks down on NDIS fraud

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Karen Andrews MP
    Minister for Home Affairs

The Morrison Government’s strong commitment to protecting Australians living with a disability has been underlined, with the arrest of man for allegedly defrauding the NDIS of more than $120,000.

The Australian Federal Police executed a search warrant at a western Sydney property on Tuesday in relation to an investigation by the NDIS Fraud Taskforce.

A 29-year-old-male was later arrested and charged with obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the arrest served as a warning to anyone considering ripping off vulnerable Australians or defrauding the taxpayer.

“All Australians suffer when public money is defrauded. That’s why this Government is serious about taking strong action to protect against fraud,” Minister Andrews said.

“The hardworking men and women of the AFP, and their partners in the NDIS Fraud taskforce, should be proud of the work they are doing to protect people with a disability and safeguard the integrity of taxpayer funds.”

“This alleged criminal activity is precisely why the Federal Government recently extended the NDIS Fraud Taskforce on an indefinite basis,” Minister Reynolds said.

“This is another warning to anyone out there considering ripping off funding intended for NDIS participants. The message is clear: you will be caught and you will then face the consequences of your actions through the legal system.

“Every NDIS provider and worker must meet the requirements of the NDIS Code of Conduct, which not only relates to the quality and safety of supports and the rights of people with disability, but also acting with integrity, honesty and transparency.

“The Taskforce is just one of the measures the NDIA uses to detect and identify fraudulent activity, and works in conjunction with the NDIS regulator, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and other bodies, to ensure the plan funding of NDIS participants remains protected.”

The NDIS Fraud Taskforce is a multi-agency partnership between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Services Australia.

Anyone with concerns that fraud is being committed against the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud hotline on 1800 650 717.