NDIS provider director charged with $480,000 fraud

A woman has been charged with fraud of more than $480,000 following Australian Federal Police raids on the Sunshine Coast.

A Sunshine Coast woman has been charged with fraud of more than $480,000 after an investigation by the National Disability Insurance Agency and police.

The Australian Federal Police raided three premises on the Sunshine Coast last week and a Caloundra woman, 36, listed as a director of two registered NDIS providers, was served with a notice to appear on fraud.

The allegations relate to the submitting of claims for payment for services not delivered to NDIS participants to a value of more than $480,000.

Services Australia, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and Queensland Police Service were also involved in the investigation.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the government had made a commitment to catch people intending to defraud Australian taxpayers.

“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.

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

“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,” she said.

“That’s something every Australian needs to protect.”

The provider is scheduled to appear in court on December 17.

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