Australia's disability support regulator has escalated enforcement efforts nationwide, targeting thousands of service providers as authorities move to eliminate systematic fraud, unapproved billing practices, and bad actors from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).


Data from the NDIS Quality and Safety Commission's compliance register reveals that nearly 5,000 NDIS providers have been issued regulatory warnings or enforcement actions since 2019, with New South Wales accounting for almost 30 per cent of the flagged entities. Over 800 businesses and individuals have received permanent or fixed-term bans from operating within the scheme.


The crackdown highlights significant gaps in past vetting procedures, with recent bans issued against operators concealing serious criminal convictions or engaging in multi-million-dollar billing scams.


High-Profile Bans Highlight Exploitation


Among those permanently barred this year is Merna Farag Shaaya, sole director of Mount Druitt-based Unique Care Group (NSW). The NDIS Quality and Safety Commission permanently banned both Ms Shaaya and her entity on August 14. Investigators allege the business billed for services that were never provided, inflated rates, distributed illegal kickbacks, and processed proceeds from fraudulent claims initiated by outside providers.


Regulators also noted that Ms Shaaya concealed a 2017 court history for obtaining financial advantage by deception when submitting her NDIS registration documents.


In South Australia, sole trader Frederick Charles Webb, operating as Fred’s Garden and Maintenance Service in Port Augusta, was permanently banned on July 15 after regulators identified prior incarcerations for serious child exploitation and indecency offenses.


Other recent enforcement actions involve major financial fraud allegations:

  • Sydney Best Care Pty Ltd (NSW): Banned alongside director Furkhan Biyabani in May following allegations the provider fraudulently claimed approximately $4 million in NDIS funding between August and October 2025. Investigations showed at least 70 impacted participants had no record or knowledge of the provider.
  • Zel Services & Logistics Pty Ltd (QLD): Received a permanent ban on August 14, with director Elizabeth Goodman handed a 10-year prohibition following unauthorized payment allegations.


None of the individuals named in the recent ban notices have had new criminal charges laid against them in relation to these regulator findings.


Administrative Paperwork vs. Unlawful Conduct


While banning orders represent the commission’s highest level of sanction, the regulatory register also shows a significant rise in revoked registrations. Enforcement officials noted that a portion of these revocations stem from minor administrative lapses—such as lapsed paperwork or missed renewal deadlines—where providers subsequently re-registered without evidence of wrongdoing.


Government Vows Stronger Integrity Safeguards


Federal officials maintain that regulatory enforcement will continue to intensify. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister affirmed that extended powers granted to the commission are actively targeting uncompliant operators attempting to misuse public disability funds.
Acting NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Natalie Wade stated that targeted compliance frameworks remain focused on safeguarding vulnerable participants, ensuring funds directly support legitimate care needs across Australia.