A Darwin woman is the second person to be charged for allegedly using her position as a public servant to facilitate corrupt conduct involving millions of dollars from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Investigators from the Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT), with the assistance of the Northern Territory Police Force (NT Police), arrested the Lee Point woman, 39, today (28 July, 2026).
She was charged with five offences and has been bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 July, 2026).
The FFT – which encompasses 25 member agencies including the AFP, National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – began an investigation in October, 2025.
FFT investigators, with the assistance of NT Police, the NDIA and Services Australia, initially executed search warrants in February, 2026, at a Lee Point home, a Durack business and a Yarrawonga business. They seized multiple documents and electronic devices from the properties for forensic examination.
Investigators charged a 47-year-old-man on 18 February with corruption and abuse of public office offences.
Forensic analysis of the seized items allegedly linked the Darwin woman to the alleged offending.
FFT investigators allege the woman conspired with the Darwin man and used her government position to refer vulnerable members of the community to an NDIS business she co-owned with the man.
It is alleged that since 2019, the pair claimed more than $28 million of NDIA funding through their NDIS business, with about $18 million of the claims identified as allegedly suspicious.
The woman was charged with:
- One count of intention of dishonestly obtaining a financial benefit, contrary to section 79 (4) of the Criminal Code 1983 (NT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment;
- One count of corruption to influence performance of her functions as a Northern Territory Officer, contrary to section 78 of the Criminal Code 1983 (NT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment;
- One count of obtaining a benefit with deliberate deception, contrary to section 77 (1) of the Criminal Code 1983 (NT). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment;
- One count of dishonestly obtaining National Disability Insurance Scheme protected agency information and using this information to gain a financial benefit from the National Disability Insurance Agency, contrary to section 135.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) and by virtue of section 11.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment; and
- One count of dishonestly obtaining a gain from the National Disability Insurance Agency, contrary to section 135.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Detective Inspector Aidan Milner said the strong collaboration of the Fraud Fusion Taskforce was vital to disrupt anyone who sought to exploit Commonwealth payments designed to assist some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities.
“The Fraud Fusion Taskforce is relentless in its pursuit of anyone who seeks to exploit vulnerable Australians and steal public funds for their own personal greed,” Det Insp Milner said.
“Those who attempt to flout the law will be identified, investigated and brought before the courts.”
A NDIA spokesperson said allegations of misconduct and fraud that undermined trust in the NDIS were taken extremely seriously by the agency.
“This investigation is a showcase of our multi-agency approach, with the Fraud Fusion Taskforce working with law enforcement partners to protect the NDIS.
“Our strengthened integrity systems help prevent and detect wrongdoing early, protecting participants and the NDIS from exploitation.”
Department of Children and Families chief executive officer Brent Warren said these were serious allegations and the department had cooperated fully with the investigation, providing information and internal records.
“The safety and wellbeing of children and families is our priority, and we take any matters that may compromise this extremely seriously,” Mr Warren said.
“As soon as we were aware of the allegations, we acted immediately. The former staff member has since resigned from the department.
“We have reviewed relevant referrals and decisions to ensure appropriate processes were followed and children and families received the support they needed. We have acted on the findings and strengthened our systems and practices for managing conflicts of interest and overseeing and approving supports for children in care with disability.
“We know the community places its trust in our people to keep kids safe and families strong. Our people are dedicated, caring and professional and we remain committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
