Candice Dixie Dover charged with alleged $480,000 NDIS fraud

A 36-year-old Caloundra woman and service provider accused of making false NDIS claims to the tune of more than $480,000 has been identified for the first time.

A 36-year-old Caloundra not-for-profit owner charged with allegedly defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme of more than $480,000 has failed to have her name suppressed in court.

Candice Dixie Dover left Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday, December 18 charged with general dishonesty following an extensive NDIS and Australian Federal Police investigation.

However she appears set to challenge the charges with Ms Dover’s legal representatives telling the Daily the allegation was “untrue”, slamming federal politicians for their commentary on the case while it was before the court.

It’s alleged in court documents Ms Dover made a series of false claims against the NDIS for services purportedly provided through her business to the tune of more than $480,000.

Candice Dover.

Court documents state the period of alleged offending ranged from April 1, 2019 to December 24, 2020 in Caloundra.

Commonwealth prosecutor Lindsay Glenn told the court Ms Dover continues to provide services to participants including those with self-managed plans.

Ms Dover’s defence lawyer Chris Lumme said the allegation against his client was untrue when approached outside court on Friday, December 17.

“We express our disappointment at comments made … that appeared to undermine the deeply entrenched presumption of innocence,” he said.

“There is no place for strongly-worded rhetoric for cheap political points when the matter is before the courts.

“Such comments tend to undermine a private citizen’s right to a fair trial and the due administration of justice.”

An NDIS media release and Courier Mail article were tendered to the court regarding the arrest of Ms Dover in early December.

Mr Lumme said there had been “strong statements” made by government ministers which deny his client the presumption of innocence.

According to the NDIS provider finder website Ms Dover is the founder of national not-for-profit aged care and disability support service provider Candice Care.

The website said she has dedicated houses in Newcastle, Warwick and Caloundra.

Candice’s House, a dedicated home of community services, opened at Moffat Beach in 2019 to provide boutique respite services to the elderly and those with disabilities.

Mr Glenn asked the court to place stricter bail conditions on Ms Dover including to not leave Australia, enter an international terminal, apply for a passport and contact witnesses.

He told the court it wouldn’t be onerous for another person in the business to make NDIS claims instead of the 36-year-old Caloundra woman.

Mr Lumme said if Ms Dover was an unacceptable risk on bail the AFP would’ve arrested her and taken her to a watch house to impose those obligations.

Mr Lumme said there was no evidence to suggest she would pressure witnesses and has known about the investigation for a year.

The court heard despite the serious charges alleged many of her clients still associated with Ms Dover, who had several offices throughout Australia.

Mr Lumme then asked the court to grant a non-publication order for Ms Dover to prevent names of witnesses, her name and the names of her companies being published until after her trial.

The request was questioned by Magistrate Richard Lehmann.

“Why is she different to the 99.99 per cent of the other defendants?,” Mr Lehmann said.

Candice Dover opened Candice's House, the Sunshine Coast's new dedicated home of community services on November 13, 2019. Picture: File

Mr Lumme said the non-publication order in his opinion would protect the privacy of those with disabilities involved with the NDIS.

The Commonwealth opposed the non-publication order with Mr Glenn saying personal embarrassment or damage to Ms Dover’s reputation isn’t a proper reason for a suppression order.

Mr Glenn said it was the public’s right to know what was happening with the administration of justice.

He said NDIS participants wouldn’t be identified in open court at this stage of proceedings either.

After considering several cases tendered by the prosecution and defence Mr Lehmann refused the nondisclosure application as well as the new bail conditions.

Ms Dover remains on bail.

Mr Lehmann adjourned the matter to February 25, 2022.