False NDIS claims cost Thermomix $79k in ACCC penalties

Thermomix has paid $79,200 in penalties after falsely advertising its appliances as NDIS-approved.

The ACCC said that NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services.

One of Australia’s most recognisable kitchen appliance brands, Thermomix, has paid $79,200 in penalties after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued four infringement notices over allegedly misleading claims that its products were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, which trades as Thermomix in Australia, received four infringement notices after promoting its $2579 Thermomix TM6 cooking appliance and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being “NDIS approved”, “NDIS-registered product”, “NDIS-consumables”, “NDIS assistive technology”, and “NDIS equipment”.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the statements gave consumers the false impression that the products were endorsed or approved by the NDIS, which is not the case.

She urged all consumers, including those in Queensland, to double-check NDIS-related claims, especially when shopping online.

“The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services,” she said.

“Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”

$2579 Thermomix TM6 cooking appliance. Picture: Vorwerk

The misleading advertisements were online and accessible in Queensland, where more than 149,000 people are active NDIS participants, many based in Brisbane and regional centres including Toowoomba, Townsville, and the Gold Coast.

Consumer watchdogs have become increasingly concerned about businesses marketing directly to vulnerable Australians especially with complex systems such as the NDIS, where participants may rely heavily on online guidance to make purchasing decisions.

The ACCC clarified that the NDIS does not officially approve or endorse specific brands or products.

Each NDIS participant’s funding is tailored to their individual needs, meaning there’s no universal list of approved items.

By advertising its products with NDIS-linked terminology, the ACCC said Thermomix gave false assurances to people with disabilities and their families potentially influencing how they used or spent their NDIS funds.

While paying the penalties, Thermomix has not admitted liability, which is standard procedure for infringement notices under the Australian Consumer Law.

This case is one of several recent crackdowns.

Last week, Bedshed was fined $39,600 for promoting mattresses and bedroom furniture as “NDIS approved”.

In December 2024, the ACCC launched Federal Court proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service over similar issues. That case is ongoing.

The federal government’s NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce, formed in late 2023, has been actively investigating and pursuing companies it suspects of price gouging or misrepresenting services and equipment to those on the scheme.

The ACCC has called on NDIS participants, carers, and service providers to report any business misusing the NDIS name or misleading customers about what is funded.

Originally published as False NDIS claims cost Thermomix $79k in ACCC penalties