GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE ACTED SOONER ON NDIS FRAUD RISK

THE HON LINDA BURNEY
ACTING SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR BARTON
 
GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE ACTED SOONER ON NDIS FRAUD RISK

The Turnbull Government should have acted sooner to protect taxpayers and people with disability who rely on the NDIS from fraud.
 
Clear warnings were issued to the Government over a year and a half ago, when the ANAO classified the NDIS rollout as having a “higher” risk rating, and found:
 

“reliance on third parties to provide information to support payments, making these payments more susceptible to fraud; and significant work required to implement a successful compliance program.” 

 [ANAO Audits of the Financial Statements of Australian Government Entities for the Period Ended 30 June 2016, p258]

“The Government has dropped the ball – they should have acted earlier to protect people with disability and taxpayers,” Linda Burney said.

“There have been alarm bells for some time now, and there are no excuses for allowing fraud risk to undermine this incredibly important social reform.
 
“Every single dollar must go toward the quality services and support that people with disability need.
 
“This Government has spent too long treating the NDIS like a political football, instead of focusing on getting the roll-out right.
“A stronger focus on fraud prevention is a good thing – but it should have been done sooner.”
 
TUESDAY, 24 JULY 2018