Candice Dixie Dover: Home Affairs office responds to NDIS arrest

A federal minister has backed government comments made after the arrest of a Caloundra woman on NDIS dishonesty charges, saying they ‘deter potential criminal behaviour’.

A federal minister has doubled down on comments made after the arrest of Caloundra National Disability Insurance Scheme service provider Candice Dixie Dover on general dishonesty charges.

The 36-year-old woman is alleged to have made a series of false claims against the NDIS for services purportedly provided through her business for more than $480,000.

Ms Dover’s defence lawyer Chris Lumme said the allegation against his client was “untrue” after the 36-year-old left Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 17.

During Ms Dover’s mention Mr Lumme slammed federal ministers for commenting on the case while it was before the courts.

Mr Lumme tendered a media release and a Courier Mail story which detailed comments made by Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews and NDIS Minister Senator Linda Reynolds.

Their comments came shortly after Ms Dover’s arrest in early December.

“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 in the statement.

Ms Reynolds said in the statement the investigation continued the National Disability Insurance Agency’s focus to crack down on fraud against the NDIS and its participants.

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

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

Mr Lumme said outside court they expressed their disappointment at the ministers’ comments that “appeared to undermine the deeply entrenched presumption of innocence”.

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

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

Ms Andrews’ office this week backed up the minister’s comments on behalf of the government.

“General statements about recent arrests serve to inform the public, reassure taxpayers that allegations of fraud are appropriately investigated, and deter potential criminal behaviour,” a spokesman for Ms Andrews said.

Ms Dover unsuccessfully applied to have her name, her business, and witnesses’ names suppressed during her mention in court on December 17.

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

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.

Magistrate Richard Lehmann adjourned the matter to February 25.

Ms Dover remains on bail.