The Fraud Fusion Taskforce, set up to tackle fraud against the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), has contributed to another two providers being suspended for falsifying NDIS claims.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has taken compliance action against two Sydney-based NDIS providers and two associated individuals.
Fine Care Pty Ltd and AlliedHealth Cleaning Services Pty Ltd have been issued suspension notices, prohibiting them from providing NDIS supports and services as registered NDIS providers for a period.
Two people associated with the providers have been issued banning orders, prohibiting them from being involved in the provision of NDIS supports or services to people with disability for a period of two years.
A third person, associated with another Western Sydney provider, has also been suspended.
In coordination with the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, the NDIS Commission took action after obtaining evidence of the submission of falsified and inappropriate claims for payment to the NDIS.
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said the Fraud Fusion Taskforce was quickly proving its worth in finding and fighting fraud.
“The Albanese Labor Government is closing the backdoor to the NDIS, which was left wide open by the former Liberal government.
“Labor sounded the alarm about serious scams and frauds against the scheme while in Opposition.
“Since we have been in Government, we have established the Fraud Fusion Taskforce and seen a number of bans, arrests and convictions.
“Anyone looking to rip off the NDIS, people with disability and the taxpayer should know we are onto them.”
NDIS Commissioner Tracy Mackey said, “The NDIS Commission will take swift action where NDIS providers and their key personnel fail to meet their obligations and in circumstances where they are no longer suitable to deliver NDIS supports and services”.
“The NDIS Commission continues to work closely with the NDIA and other government agencies to identify and address quality and safeguarding concerns, including those arising from engagement in fraudulent activity. NDIS providers have very clear obligations and we will take action when providers do not meet those obligations.”
“Fraud takes funds intended to purchase the supports NDIS participants genuinely need. We will not tolerate such conduct.”
Hopeful Ability Care Pty Ltd has also been issued with a suspension notice prohibiting it from providing NDIS supports and services as a registered NDIS provider for a period of 30 days.
An individual associated with the provider has been issued with a banning order prohibiting him from being involved in the provision of NDIS supports or services to people with disability for a period of two years.
The NDIS Commission has issued notices of intention to make further banning orders of a further six individuals and entities, and revoke the registration of three NDIS providers.
Details of compliance actions taken can be read at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission site.