Minister wants to ‘restore confidence’ in NDIS after recent crime findings
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten is looking to “restore confidence” in the scheme as organised criminals are exploiting systemic weaknesses.
It was reported last week in the Sydney Morning Herald that criminals involved in drug trafficking and money laundering have extorted disabled Australians by threatening them with violence in an effort to steal their NDIS entitlements.
It’s estimated at least 15 to 20 per cent of the $30 billion it costs a year on uncapped support packages for the disabled has been misused.
Minister Shorten told Ray Hadley the government needs to stop being “naive” to the situation and start taking serious action.
“I think we can get on top of it, but you’ve got to decide that it’s a priority,” he said.
“If you’re a fake, you’ve got to be put on notice that we will catch your fake invoice. At the moment I’m not convinced that the resources are there to do the back office checking.
“I want to restore confidence that the integrity of the scheme is delivering for the people for whom it was created for.”
Press PLAY below to hear Mr Shortern’s concerns and future plans for the NDIS
To provide even further proof of the current state and level of care at the NDIS, a listener emailed Ray with a shocking story.
The listener revealed that her brother was evicted from respite care and dropped off at the nearest hospital due to previous payment troubles with his NDIS package.
Ray is forwarding the story to Bill Shorten with the aim to get some answers.
Press PLAY below to hear Ray reveal the details
Image: Getty/Sam Mooy