Source : Perth Now news
A former National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider has been accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $325,000 from the scheme.
Denise Clissold, 52, on Tuesday had her matter before Downing Centre Local Court, where it was adjourned to November 24.
Ms Clissold, who previously operated registered NDIS provider Coast Community, faces 18 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception under section 134.2(1) of the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
She has not yet entered pleas to any of the charges.
An amended court attendance alleges Ms Clissold caused claims to be submitted for payment for services that had not been provided to NDIS participants.
Prosecutors allege she dishonestly obtained payments from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), a commonwealth entity.
The alleged offences span 2019 to 2023 and relate to five NDIS participants from locations including Tuggerah and Picketts Valley on the NSW Central Coast.
The charges were issued on August 21.
The NDIA previously said the charges followed an investigation co-led by the agency in June 2024.
The NDIA said search warrants were executed at residential properties in Goonellabah, near Lismore, and Junee in December 2024, with investigators seizing mobile phones, tablets and documents.
According to the agency, forensic analysis of the seized material showed Ms Clissold allegedly submitted false claims for services never provided against five participants’ plans between 2019 and 2023.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has separately permanently banned Ms Clissold from a range of activities involving NDIS supports and services.
The banning order took effect in July 2025 and prohibits Ms Clissold from, among other things, submitting, modifying or cancelling NDIS payment requests and undertaking key personnel activities for an NDIS provider.
Ms Clissold’s matter will return to court on November 24.
