We are committed to working across government to promote the integrity of the tax profession, strengthen tax practitioner services and protect government funding allocated to Australians. That’s why we are a member of the Fraud Fusion Taskforce.
What is the Fraud Fusion Taskforce?
The Fraud Fusion Taskforce unites several government agencies, spearheaded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and Services Australia, to create a comprehensive, cross-government approach in identifying and addressing potential fraudulent and criminal activities targeting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This effort aims to strengthen the integrity and fairness of Commonwealth programs and payments.
Taskforce members collaborate closely, sharing information and expertise to uncover, investigate, and prevent fraud, ensuring that NDIS participants continue to receive safe, high-quality support.
Fraud Fusion Taskforce objectives
Improve how government agencies work together to detect and prevent fraud and serious organised crime.
Strengthen government payment systems, making it easy to do the right thing and harder to do the wrong thing.
Fraud Fusion Taskforce investigations
Recent data from the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, as of 30 June 2024, shows:
- 72 active NDIS fraud cases with an estimated value of $34.5 million.
- 16 NDIS prosecutions currently underway.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the Taskforce have ramped up their investigations, and Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, emphasized, "The focus on cracking down on fraud and rorts is having a dramatic result and will only intensify as the NDIA and the Fraud Fusion Taskforce continue their efforts."
Minister Shorten further stated, "Let me be clear – whether you're a registered or unregistered provider falsifying claims, a dodgy health practitioner falsifying assessments, a tax agent facilitating NDIS frauds, or a plan manager submitting false claims, or a sophisticated criminal group doing all of the above, you will be caught."
What is our role in the Fraud Fusion Taskforce?
We collaborate with other agencies to share and analyze information, utilizing data to identify suspicious patterns that may signal fraudulent behavior. Additionally, we work closely with Taskforce partners to enhance integrity and prevent fraud. This includes developing stronger fraud detection and prevention measures and taking decisive action against any tax practitioner involved in facilitating fraud.
How you can help
If you think someone is committing fraud, we strongly encourage you to report suspicious behaviour through the NDIA Fraud Reporting Form.
In addition, if you are aware of a tax practitioner participating in poor conduct or fraud, help to strengthen tax practitioner services, improve professional conduct, and build community confidence in the system by making a complaint using our online form.
Source: Australian Government Tax Practitioners Board (https://www.tpb.gov.au/home)
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