Queensland woman charged in relation to $480,000 NDIS fraud

A woman believed to be the director of two disability services providers has been charged after raids on the Sunshine Coast following an investigation by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) fraud team.

7News reported a 36-year-old woman from Caloundra, listed as director of two registered NDIS providers, was charged with general dishonesty in relation to alleged offences of fraud to a value of more than $480,000.

"One dollar fraudulently obtained is one dollar that isn't received by those who are entitled to NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding," NDIS Minister Senator Linda Reynolds said.

"Many NDIS participants rely on their plan funding to access the disability support to which they are entitled, and that support them to lead the life they choose."

Anyone found guilty of fraud against the NDIS faces the prospect of imprisonment.

The woman was served with a notice to attend court.

The charges came after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed search warrants across three premises on the Sunshine Coast, following an investigation by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) fraud team – with support from Services Australia, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the Queensland Police Service.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the arrest was proof of the Morrison Government’s commitment to catching anyone intending to defraud the Australian taxpayer, and comes after the NDIA announced a crackdown on fraud back in September.

“Any disability service provider who thinks they can get away with criminal activity targeting NDIS participants will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Ms Andrews said.

The investigation that lead to the woman’s arrest continues the NDIA’s ongoing focus to crack down on fraud against the NDIS and its participants, Senator Reynolds said.

“One dollar fraudulently obtained is one dollar that isn’t received by those who are entitled to NDIS funding,” she said.

“Many NDIS participants rely on their plan funding to access the disability support to which they are entitled, and that supports them to lead the life they choose. That’s something every Australian needs to protect.”

Anyone found guilty of fraud against the NDIS faces the prospect of imprisonment. The NDIS Commission has significant powers to take action against NDIS providers registered or not, where they are found to have not complied with their obligations.

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