The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has announced the indefinite extension of the NDIS Fraud Taskforce after uncovering millions of dollars of alleged fraud during the past three years. The Taskforce is set to crackdown on dishonest providers to ensure that participants are getting the supports and services they need.

“This extension sends a clear signal on the Australian Government’s zero tolerance approach to fraud,” NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds said.
“Participants, their families and carers must feel confident that the NDIA is preventing, detecting, and responding to fraud. My priority is ensuring participants are protected from illegal or unscrupulous behaviour and that illegal activity will be detected and met with the full force of the law.”
The extension of the Taskforce comes off the back of Operation Pegasus, which followed an investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate and resulted in the arrests of six people, who are accused of alleged multi-million-dollar fraud against the NDIS.
In July of this year, state and territory disability ministers met with Minister Reynolds where they agreed that legislation would be put forward at the next Parliamentary session to further protect participants from illegal provider activities.
The NDIS have also established a new Compliance Response team made up of 30 members who will work to proactively identify potential non-compliance by both providers and participants.
Established in 2018, the NDIS Fraud Taskforce has been integral in the investigation and prosecution of criminals targeting NDIS participants. The NDIS Fraud Taskforce is a multi-agency partnership between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Services Australia, with a focus on high risk and serious criminal activity targeting the NDIS.
Anyone with concerns that fraud is being committed against the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717.
If you would like more information on fraud and how to report it, you can visit the NDIS website, or reach out to your First2Care Client Manager if you feel fraud is affecting your NDIS spending.