NDIS Minister Bill Shorten says every tip-off will be followed up.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
The NDIS fraud fusion taskforce,created in October,now has 38 active investigations open with almost $300 million of payments under review – an increase of $50 million from three months ago.
The taskforce is investigating multiple criminal syndicates which were previously not on its radar,with some handling tens of millions in NDIS funds.
The sophisticated syndicates have moved from other schemes – including long daycare,TAFE and tax scams - to target the NDIS.
Shorten said the taskforce last month received 1700 tip-offs for information on people trying to defraud the NDIS.
“Every single tip-off will be analysed,” he said.
“We are encouraging people to continue to help us in our efforts to stamp out dodgy behaviour.”
One syndicate being investigated has been recruiting vulnerable Australians to gain access to the scheme with the promise of cash vouchers and gifts,and by faking medical evidence and diagnosis.