Government moves to curb NDIS fraud and tighten child-check standards

Labor’s disability portfolio announced a crackdown on NDIS providers that have been claiming funding for services barred under the “Other Professional” support category, after analysis revealed roughly 40% of audited providers billed for alternatives such as animal therapy, personal training and golf lessons. The government will re-classify legitimate providers, cut the hourly rate for the “Other Professional” item to $156.16, and roll out a new digital payment platform to close the loophole.

NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister said the reforms give the NDIA new powers to investigate and prosecute misuse. In parallel, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland led a meeting of state and territory attorneys-general in Darwin to forge nationally consistent minimum standards for Working-with-Children Check schemes, including shared information on serious criminal offences that would automatically disqualify applicants. The federal government has earmarked $37 million over five years for the child-check overhaul. Both initiatives aim to protect vulnerable Australians and curb unnecessary public spending.