A dedicated taskforce of 100 officers has been established to investigate fraud committed against the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Social Services Minister Dan Tehan said the taskforce will be a joint operation involving the Department of Human Services, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). He said the government was putting on notice criminals who try to rip off the NDIS. “People who commit fraud against the NDIS are taking money from Australians with a disability which will not be tolerated.”
The taskforce will tackle fraud through combined law enforcement efforts, increased information sharing and analytics and enhanced connections across government.
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan said staff from his department had extensive experience in fraud detection and prevention. “The government knows that most people are honest and only claim that they are entitled to.”
Minister for Law Enforcement Angus Taylor said the AFP was committed to investigating fraud against the Commonwealth through innovative investigative techniques. “We are focused on preventing and disrupting large-scale fraud and to build upon a culture of integrity around the NDIS framework.” he said.
People with concerns about fraud against the NDIS are encouraged to contact the taskforce and make a report.