MATT SHIRVINGTON: Great to have you with us, Minister. So, this individual is accused of submitting fake claims to their own fake NDIS business. Is the system broken?
JENNY MCALLISTER: I think Australians will be shocked to see some of the evidence that comes out. But these investigations are a direct result of the investments that we're making in enforcement capability so that we can get rid of fraud in the system, kick out criminals, grifters, people doing the wrong thing for good.
NATALIE BARR: So how widespread is fraud in the NDIS?
JENNY MCALLISTER: The estimate from the Agency is in the order of 8 percent of the total. We think that's too high, but it is a significant improvement on where it was when we came to Government. The previous head of ACIC had estimated it could be in the order of 15 to 20 percent under the Liberals. We've had to make significant investments to stand up a sophisticated enforcement capability. None of that existed when we came to Government. We've now got around 500 people working on these issues within the NDIA. When we came to government, there were just 30. It wasn't good enough and it left the Scheme as a soft target.
MATT SHIRVINGTON: Minister, the NDIS is a lifeline for so many Australians, right? What's being done to crack down on those taking advantage of the system?
JENNY MCALLISTER: You are so right. This Scheme has been life-changing for so many people with disability. And I do want to emphasise for your viewers that the vast majority of participants and the vast majority of providers get up every day and do the right thing. And those good providers are trying to help people, you know, with every effort that they can. They're mortified by stories of this kind. And some of the most important intelligence information we get about wrongdoing comes from those providers.
NATALIE BARR: Ok, so they're dobbing them in. So if you had one message for the fraudsters, the scammers this morning in the NDIS what would you say?
JENNY MCALLISTER: There is nothing lower than seeking to take money from a disabled person. And if you seek to drain the plans of people with disability, we are coming for you.
MATT SHIRVINGTON: Jenny McAllister, thank you so much for coming in. Appreciate it.
JENNY MCALLISTER: Thank you.
MATT SHIRVINGTON: Anyone with information about suspected NDIS fraud should contact the Fraud Reporting and Scam Helpline. Details are on our website.