A FORMER National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) staff member was sentenced this month following an NDIA and Fraud Fusion Taskforce investigation into their improper access and distribution of protected data.
The former employee pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorised use or disclosure of protected Agency information and two counts of abuse of public office related to offences committed in 2022 and 2023.
The NDIA led the Fraud Fusion Taskforce investigation in November 2023 that resulted in the then staff member being arrested and charged over the unauthorised accessing and disclosure of identity information.
The former employee was sentenced to an aggregate two-and-a-half years imprisonment to be served by way of an Intensive Corrections Order in the community with 300 hours of community service, and a $4000 fine.
NDIA CEO Rebecca Falkingham said the protection of participant data and participant safety was the highest priority for the Agency.
“Every participant rightly expects their information will be safe with us and handled appropriately,” she said.
“While this breach was swiftly acted upon and this offender brought to justice, we continue to strengthen the integrity of our systems to prevent and defend against any attempts to use Scheme or participant information for criminal gain.
“We have zero tolerance for fraud – and any inappropriate conduct – committed against the NDIS and its participants.”
The Agency identified participants whose personal information had been passed to unauthorised parties, and has provided support to those participants.
Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717 or fill out our online NDIS Fraud reporting form.
Source: www.ndis.gov.au
