NDIS Commission
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has taken compliance action against 6 Perth-based entities and two associated individuals.
Vida and Simon Reid, directors of Armadale-based Forward Focused Group Pty Ltd, Hybrid Hive Pty and a number of associated entities have been issued banning orders, prohibiting them from providing supports and services, directly or indirectly, to NDIS-funded participants for a period of five years.
Forward Focused Group, Hybrid Hive Pty Ltd and four associated entities have also been issued banning orders, with prohibitions ranging from five years to permanent. Forward Focused Group Pty Ltd's registration has also been revoked.
In coordination with the NDIS Taskforce established to investigate fraud against the NDIS, the NDIS Commission investigated after receiving complaints of threats, bullying and harassment of NDIS participants, as well as the submission of false claims for payment to the NDIS.
As a result of the Taskforce's investigation, in October 2022 Vida Reid was charged with four fraud-related offences under the Commonwealth Criminal Code. The NDIS Commission immediately suspended the registration of Forward Focused Group Pty Ltd, on grounds that a delegate of the NDIS Commissioner had formed a reasonable belief that Forward Focused Group Pty Ltd had breached the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, including the NDIS Code of Conduct.
"These actions taken by the NDIS Commission demonstrate the Government's commitment to protecting participants from NDIS providers who do the wrong thing. This is a great result for participants and their families" Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said.
"For years the Liberals were asleep at the wheel. I am happy the watchdog is doing what it should - protecting the interests of Australians with disability. A warning to NDIS fraudsters stealing from people with a disability and taxpayers - the easy ride is over."
Minister Shorten said these results highlight the value of government agencies working together to focus efforts and resources on protecting the Scheme, an approach that has been scaled up with the recent establishment of the expanded Fraud Fusion Taskforce.
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. NDIS providers have very clear obligations and we will take action when providers do not meet those obligations."
Details of compliance actions taken can be read here.
