Former public officer charged over alleged $18m NDIS claims plot

A Darwin woman has been charged over an alleged abuse of public office to facilitate corrupt conduct involving more than $18m from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Northern Territory Police and the federal Fraud Fusion Taskforce arrested a 39-year-old woman from Lee Point on Tuesday at the Hilton in Darwin.

She faces five charges, including intention of dishonestly obtaining a financial benefit, corruption to influence performance of her functions as a Northern Territory officer and dishonestly obtaining NDIS protected agency information and using this information to gain a financial benefit from the NDIS.

She is the second person to be charged in connection with the alleged NDIS fraud scheme.

In February, a 47-year-old Darwin man was charged over alleged abuse of public office and claiming $5m in suspicious NDIS claims.

Police allege the woman conspired with the man and used her position in the government to refer vulnerable members of the community to an NDIS business she owned with the man.

In February, investigators searched a Lee Point home, a Durack business and a Yarrawonga business.

There, they seized documents and electronic devices for forensic investigation.

Since 2019, the pair allegedly claimed more than $28m of NDIS funding through their NDIS business.

Police allege about $18m of the NDIA funding claims are “suspicious”.

Wearing a blue dress, the woman was surrounded by officers as she was escorted to the police station.

Department of Children and Families chief executive officer Brent Warren said the former staff member had resigned from her role.

“As soon as we were aware of the allegations, we acted immediately,” he said.

“The former staff member has since resigned from the department.”

He said the department had reviewed relevant referrals and decisions to “ensure appropriate processes were followed and children and families received the support they needed”.

“We have acted on the findings and strengthened our systems and practices for managing conflicts of interest and overseeing and approving supports for children in care with disability,” he said.

“We know the community places its trust in our people to keep kids safe and families strong. “Our people are dedicated, caring and professional and we remain committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”

AFP Detective Inspector Aidan Milner said the taskforce was “relentless in its pursuit of anyone who sought to exploit vulnerable Australians and steal public funds for their own personal greed”.

“Those who attempt to flout the law will be identified, investigated and brought before the courts,” he said.

Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717.