Home topics news Image credit: Sasun Bughdaryan News News Prevalence of wage theft in NDIS sparks urgent calls for action Yajush Gupta June 28, 2023 The Australian Services Union NSW & ACT has sounded the alarm over the widespread issue of wage theft within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), characterizing it as a common practice among service providers. The union is urging the Federal Government to take immediate action to combat this rampant wage theft, which primarily affects disability support workers. With over 30 providers currently under investigation for wage theft and fraud in NSW alone, the scale of the problem is becoming increasingly apparent. Referral of Providers for Further Investigation The Australian Services Union NSW & ACT has taken a significant step by referring two providers to key authorities including the NDIS Commission, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and the Fair Work Ombudsman. This move comes as part of the ongoing investigations into alleged wage theft and aims to shed light on the extent of the problem while holding accountable those responsible. Alarming Self-Reported Statistics Adding to the gravity of the situation, the NDIA’s wage benchmarking report reveals that even 10 percent of providers have admitted to paying disability support workers below the minimum hourly rate mandated by the relevant Award. Angus McFarland, Secretary of ASU NSW & ACT, commented on the dire consequences of wage theft, stating, “Wage theft in the disability support sector is rampant. It’s bad for workers and is ripping off people with