The Australian Government is allocating an initial funding of $83.9 million to fortify the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and ensure targeted financial support for participants in need. This funding will be directed towards the Crack Down on Fraud program, enhancing fraud-detection IT systems to safeguard the funds designated for Australians with disabilities under the NDIS.
The National Disability Insurance Agency plans to utilize the funding for various fraud-prevention IT initiatives, including:
- Establishing a new fraud case management system that collaborates with enforcement agencies.
- Developing IT systems to streamline transactions with other agencies, providers, and banks, reducing errors and processing times.
- Enhancing the efficiency of systems handling over 400,000 NDIS claims daily.
- Strengthening identity proofing systems for increased safety and privacy.
- Enhancing the NDIS mobile app and online interfaces.
This initiative, alongside the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, aims to reinforce the Scheme’s sustainability and uphold access to vital supports and services for legitimate participants. By addressing vulnerabilities identified since the Taskforce’s inception in November 2022, this funding aligns with the government’s commitment, as stated by Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten MP, to rejuvenate the NDIS and regain public trust in its capacity to meet participants’ present and future needs.
“The Crack Down on Fraud program includes a number of ICT improvements that will be implemented progressively and are designed to make it easier to get it right, and harder to get it wrong for everyone engaging with the scheme” Minister Shorten said.
“This investment is not only about catching criminals who may target Australians living with disability, but also enhancing the systems we have in place to detect and prevent fraud and non-compliant activity.
“The Crack Down on Fraud program represents significant further progress in safeguarding the Scheme’s integrity, and will not only optimise NDIS resources, but will also ensure that honest participants who depend on the Scheme can be better supported into the future.”
The Government recognises that stakeholder collaboration lies at the heart of responsive policy, and will ensure the voices and perspectives of NDIS participants, their carers and families, and those in the disability sector inform the new program’s design.
“We have already started consulting with the disability community and will continue to do so, to ensure that participants are fully supported in transitioning to the improved systems”, Minister Shorten said.
“One of the key Independent NDIS Review observations was concerns around integrity of the scheme. This is a critical area of reform because it’s our fellow Australians with a disability who suffer most from any fraud and exploitation in the NDIS.”
The NDIS review recommended that the Australian Government invest in the underpinning digital infrastructure and capability needed to protect the integrity of the NDIS.
“This investment is another step in the right direction in protecting the Scheme’s integrity and sustainability, and ensuring the NDIS reaches its full potential,” Minister Shorten said.
To ensure all NDIS participants can understand the upcoming changes, the Government is developing accessible communication materials, including AUSLAN, Braille and Easy Read.
Original News Article: https://ndis.gov.au/news/9828-reinforcing-sustainable-honest-and-trustworthy-ndis
