The federal government introduced the NDIS Integrity and Safeguarding Bill 2025 to address ongoing fraud and exploitation within the scheme. The legislation represents the most significant safeguarding reform since the NDIS Commission was established.
Information current as of September 2025. This article is general information only — not NDIS, legal, or financial advice.
Why was this needed?
Multiple investigations and audits revealed patterns of:
- Providers billing for services not delivered
- Exploitation of participants by people in positions of trust
- Criminal organisations infiltrating the NDIS to access participant funding
- Fraudulent support worker identity and qualification claims
The scale of identified fraud prompted urgent legislative action beyond what the existing NDIS Act provided.
Key provisions
Increased financial penalties: Corporations found guilty of NDIS fraud now face fines of up to $15 million (previously $1.1 million). Individual penalties have also increased substantially.
90-day cooling off period: A new provision requires a 90-day pause before a person with a prior fraud conviction involving the NDIS can work in a participant-facing role, even after completing their sentence.
Mandatory reporting obligations: Registered providers must now report suspected fraud, financial abuse, or exploitation to the NDIS Commission within specified timeframes. Failure to report is itself an offence.
Banning orders: The NDIS Commission gains expanded power to issue banning orders that prohibit individuals from working in NDIS roles. Banning orders are now publicly searchable.
Restrictive practices: Tighter definitions and approval processes for restrictive practices, with penalties for unsanctioned use.
What does this mean for participants?
Better protection against exploitation. The higher penalties create stronger deterrence for fraudulent providers.
Greater transparency. The public banning order register means you (or your Support Coordinator) can check whether a provider or worker has been prohibited.
Your Support Coordinator’s role. Registered Support Coordinators are now mandatory reporters under this legislation. If your coordinator identifies suspected fraud or exploitation, they are legally required to report it — this is a safeguard, not a breach of your privacy.
What to do if you suspect fraud or exploitation
If you believe a provider is:
- Billing for services you didn’t receive
- Pressuring you to sign off on false invoices
- Misusing your funding for their own benefit
Contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544 or report online at ndiscommission.gov.au. You can report anonymously.
Source: Parliament of Australia — NDIS Integrity and Safeguarding Bill 2025
General information only
This article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute NDIS, legal, or financial advice. NDIS rules and supports vary by individual plan. For advice specific to your situation, speak with your Support Coordinator or contact the NDIA directly at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.