A Darwin woman has become the second person charged in an investigation into an alleged corruption scheme involving millions of dollars in National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.
The 39-year-old Lee Point woman was arrested on 28 July 2026 by investigators from the Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT), with assistance from the Northern Territory Police Force.
She has been charged with five offences and granted bail to appear before Darwin Local Court on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
AFP Detective Inspector Aidan Milner said the Fraud Fusion Taskforce would continue targeting people who attempted to exploit government payments intended to support vulnerable Australians.
“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.”
The FFT alleges the woman used her position as a Northern Territory public servant to facilitate corrupt conduct by referring vulnerable community members to an NDIS business she allegedly co-owned with another Darwin man.
Investigators allege the business received more than $28 million in National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) funding since 2019, with around $18 million of those claims identified as potentially suspicious.
The investigation began in October 2025 and involves a multi-agency operation led by the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, which includes 25 government agencies including the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NDIA, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
In February 2026, FFT investigators, supported by NT Police, NDIA and Services Australia, executed search warrants at properties in Lee Point, Durack and Yarrawonga. Multiple documents and electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
A 47-year-old Darwin man was previously charged on 18 February 2026 with corruption and abuse of public office offences.
Following forensic examination of seized material, investigators allege evidence linked the Lee Point woman to the alleged offending.
The woman faces charges including allegedly dishonestly obtaining financial benefits, corruption to influence the performance of her official duties, obtaining benefits through deception, and using protected NDIS information to obtain financial benefits.
Two of the charges under Commonwealth law carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The NDIA said allegations of fraud and misconduct undermining trust in the NDIS were taken extremely seriously.
“This investigation is a showcase of our multi-agency approach, with the Fraud Fusion Taskforce working with law enforcement partners to protect the NDIS,” an NDIA spokesperson said.
The Northern Territory Department of Children and Families confirmed the former employee had resigned and said it had cooperated fully with investigators.
Department chief executive Brent Warren said allegations involving public trust were serious and the department had reviewed relevant processes to strengthen conflict-of-interest management and oversight arrangements.
“The safety and wellbeing of children and families is our priority, and we take any matters that may compromise this extremely seriously.”
Authorities urged anyone with information about suspected NDIS fraud to contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717 or provide information through official reporting channels.
All allegations remain before the courts, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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