04/01/2026
NDIS watchdog bans 768 providers including accused murderer and fraudster
An accused killer and a man who imprisoned disabled women are among 768 NDIS people and providers punished by Australia’s disability watchdog this year.
An accused killer and a man who imprisoned two intellectually disabled women in his home are among 768 NDIS people and providers punished by the watchdog in 2025.
More than 280 people or providers were temporarily or permanently banned, in the last 12 months, while hundreds of other workers and organisations were hit with compliance notices, had their registration revoked or sent warning letters.
The reasons for action range from NDIS providers being involved in or allegedly involved in serious crime to minor compliance issues. However, the details published for why someone or a business is on the official list are often vague.
Disability support worker Tanika Bromley, from Gin Gin, near Bundaberg, received a temporary ban from the NDIS regulator in June.
She and co-accused James Wood have been charged with murder and two counts of interfering with a co**se in relation to the death of 17-year-old Queensland teen Pheobe Bishop.
Ms Bromley is also charged with multiple unrelated weapons charges. No pleas have yet been entered.
Alexander Trewin, from Sale in Victoria, was permanently banned from working in the NDIS in November.
A Victorian court heard how together with his then partner, they befriended two women with intellectual disabilities before conning them into going to their Wodonga home, where the victims were held between August 15 and October 12, 2016. The pair took the women to Centrelink to obtain benefits but kept the money
In 2019 Mr Trewin pleaded guilty to two counts of false imprisonment and two of theft.
One company’s ban, which led to hundreds of people having to change provider, was Horizon Solsolutions Australia Pty Ltd (Horizon), operating as Cocoon SDA Care.
The company, along with its director Muhammad Latif, received a permanent banning order in June, for alleged safety concerns, as well as alleged fraudulent claims for services not delivered.
A creditors’ report found Cocoon’s Australian Taxation Office debt topped $14m. In total it owed 360 unsecured creditors a combined $64m.
The director and other executives have always denied any wrongdoing.
Others found themselves on the banned list for compliance issues. Author and self-styled mentor Chance Ndume, from Woodville Gardens, South Australia, who set up an NDIS business on the back of his incredible story of survival, was permanently banned in October.
He fled the war torn Congo as a child, before eventually finding his way to Australia, where he suffered homelessness.
He set up a business offering psychosocial support and mentoring programs for NDIS clients.
In August 2024 his NDIS registration was revoked for failing to commence a midterm audit within the required time frame.
He is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing. This masthead has requested comment from Mr Ndume.
Figures show that the number of banning orders being made is increasing both on a calendar year and financial year basis.
“Protecting the rights of people with disability is our top priority,” NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville said.
Go online to see the full list of actions taken by the watchdog since 2019.
https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about-us/compliance-and-enforcement/compliance-actions/search
herald sun
