1 00:00:00,020 --> 00:00:02,060 (THEME MUSIC PLAYS) 2 00:00:12,260 --> 00:00:14,740 OK, up onto your feet, Lily Reid. 3 00:00:15,700 --> 00:00:18,020 ANNE CONNOLLY: The NDIS has transformed 4 00:00:18,020 --> 00:00:18,300 ANNE CONNOLLY: the lives of thousands of people living with disabilities. 5 00:00:18,300 --> 00:00:21,820 the lives of thousands of people living with disabilities. 6 00:00:21,820 --> 00:00:24,900 Here's the pansies that we planted last week! 7 00:00:24,900 --> 00:00:26,260 (LAUGHS) Ready? 8 00:00:33,380 --> 00:00:36,300 It's also become a booming business 9 00:00:36,300 --> 00:00:41,620 with taxpayer funding of more than $40 billion this year. 10 00:00:41,620 --> 00:00:43,060 Ram the door. 11 00:00:44,140 --> 00:00:45,700 Keep going. Police! Search warrant! 12 00:00:45,700 --> 00:00:49,540 Criminals, opportunists and registered providers 13 00:00:49,540 --> 00:00:52,060 have been caught exploiting loopholes 14 00:00:52,060 --> 00:00:54,980 to overcharge and defraud the scheme. 15 00:00:54,980 --> 00:00:58,740 The NDIS is definitely being rorted. It requires fundamental surgery. 16 00:01:00,060 --> 00:01:03,700 Some of the most vulnerable people with disability 17 00:01:03,700 --> 00:01:03,940 Some of the most vulnerable people are being used as cash cows... 18 00:01:03,940 --> 00:01:05,740 are being used as cash cows... 19 00:01:06,700 --> 00:01:09,900 ..preyed on for their NDIS funding. 20 00:01:11,100 --> 00:01:12,580 These unscrupulous providers 21 00:01:12,580 --> 00:01:14,060 are like sharks 22 00:01:14,060 --> 00:01:15,740 that circle these people 23 00:01:15,740 --> 00:01:17,020 looking for who they can pick off. 24 00:01:17,020 --> 00:01:19,660 To my mind, that's abduction. 25 00:01:19,660 --> 00:01:23,580 The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 26 00:01:23,580 --> 00:01:28,100 is supposed to protect people living with disabilities, 27 00:01:28,100 --> 00:01:31,740 but it's failing the most vulnerable in the scheme. 28 00:01:31,740 --> 00:01:34,820 ADELE LEICESTER: Three teeth were snapped at bone level. 29 00:01:34,820 --> 00:01:37,740 What do you think would have happened if Ashlee had remained there? 30 00:01:37,740 --> 00:01:37,980 What do you think would have happened She would have died. 31 00:01:37,980 --> 00:01:39,420 She would have died. 32 00:01:41,100 --> 00:01:43,980 Our investigation has uncovered shocking vision 33 00:01:43,980 --> 00:01:47,420 of children with autism and intellectual disabilities 34 00:01:47,420 --> 00:01:47,660 of children with autism being restrained unlawfully... 35 00:01:47,660 --> 00:01:49,420 being restrained unlawfully... 36 00:01:51,180 --> 00:01:56,420 What came to light was a lot of very abusive practice. 37 00:01:56,420 --> 00:01:56,660 What came to light Very abusive practice on children. 38 00:01:56,660 --> 00:01:59,100 Very abusive practice on children. 39 00:02:01,260 --> 00:02:06,300 ..and how the NDIS Commission doesn't hold providers to account. 40 00:02:06,300 --> 00:02:08,620 So, you said that you saw the footage. 41 00:02:08,620 --> 00:02:11,540 Um... What I saw was young people, um... 42 00:02:11,540 --> 00:02:14,060 ..being subject to restrictive practices. 43 00:02:14,060 --> 00:02:18,060 FRANK LAMBRICK: There's absolutely no situation 44 00:02:18,060 --> 00:02:20,340 where a restraint like that can be used. 45 00:02:20,340 --> 00:02:20,580 where a restraint like that This really is abuse. 46 00:02:20,580 --> 00:02:22,820 This really is abuse. 47 00:02:22,820 --> 00:02:25,220 PETRA CHARD: The NDIS did nothing. 48 00:02:25,220 --> 00:02:29,260 I'm just astounded that in Australia something like this could happen. 49 00:02:40,460 --> 00:02:43,500 (BIRD SQUAWKS) 50 00:02:53,980 --> 00:02:57,660 Australia's groundbreaking initiative in disability 51 00:02:57,660 --> 00:02:57,900 Australia's groundbreaking is a saviour for countless families. 52 00:02:57,900 --> 00:03:00,980 is a saviour for countless families. 53 00:03:02,420 --> 00:03:04,060 MELISSA KEITH: Before the NDIS, 54 00:03:04,060 --> 00:03:04,300 I actually think they MELISSA KEITH: Before the NDIS, 55 00:03:04,300 --> 00:03:07,940 I actually think they were some of the darkest days ever. 56 00:03:07,940 --> 00:03:08,180 I actually think they That is almost a lost decade to me. 57 00:03:08,180 --> 00:03:11,740 That is almost a lost decade to me. 58 00:03:12,900 --> 00:03:16,140 I was probably on duty 23 hours a day. 59 00:03:18,420 --> 00:03:24,540 The NDIS has finally given Lily Reid the technology to express herself. 60 00:03:24,540 --> 00:03:24,780 The NDIS has finally given Lily Reid COMPUTER VOICE: My name is Lily. 61 00:03:24,780 --> 00:03:27,300 COMPUTER VOICE: My name is Lily. 62 00:03:28,460 --> 00:03:30,380 I am 18 years old. 63 00:03:31,340 --> 00:03:33,260 Good work! 64 00:03:34,980 --> 00:03:38,180 I finished school last year. I was school captain. 65 00:03:38,180 --> 00:03:38,420 I finished school last year. (VOCALISES) 66 00:03:38,420 --> 00:03:39,580 (VOCALISES) 67 00:03:39,580 --> 00:03:41,980 I have learnt who my daughter is. 68 00:03:41,980 --> 00:03:44,460 I can see what she likes. 69 00:03:44,460 --> 00:03:46,380 I can see what she doesn't like. 70 00:03:46,380 --> 00:03:48,780 My favourite thing is dancing. 71 00:03:48,780 --> 00:03:50,660 One, two, three. 72 00:03:50,660 --> 00:03:57,020 (POP MUSIC PLAYS) 73 00:03:57,020 --> 00:03:58,540 (VOCALISES) 74 00:03:58,540 --> 00:04:00,580 (SINGS) 75 00:04:00,580 --> 00:04:04,300 Lily has an incredibly rare genetic syndrome 76 00:04:04,300 --> 00:04:04,540 Lily has an incredibly rare called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. 77 00:04:04,540 --> 00:04:07,260 called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. 78 00:04:09,700 --> 00:04:13,700 It's changed the life of Lily's mother, Melissa, too. 79 00:04:13,700 --> 00:04:13,940 It's changed the life Yep, to our car. 80 00:04:13,940 --> 00:04:15,940 Yep, to our car. 81 00:04:15,940 --> 00:04:17,820 (VOCALISES) 82 00:04:17,820 --> 00:04:18,060 The NDIS has meant that I can go (VOCALISES) 83 00:04:18,060 --> 00:04:22,700 The NDIS has meant that I can go to work and I can earn an income 84 00:04:22,700 --> 00:04:26,220 and give us a stability of life that we didn't have. 85 00:04:26,220 --> 00:04:26,460 and give us a stability of life Up we go into the chariot. 86 00:04:26,460 --> 00:04:28,700 Up we go into the chariot. 87 00:04:40,420 --> 00:04:43,220 Lily likes to go out and about. 88 00:04:43,220 --> 00:04:45,620 She joined a lifesaving club. 89 00:04:45,620 --> 00:04:47,260 Good morning. Hi. How are you, Melissa? 90 00:04:47,260 --> 00:04:49,260 Hi. Hi, Lily! 91 00:04:49,260 --> 00:04:50,500 How are you going today? 92 00:04:50,500 --> 00:04:52,060 The scheme itself 93 00:04:52,060 --> 00:04:55,020 has enabled Lily to have equipment 94 00:04:55,020 --> 00:04:56,820 like a walking frame, 95 00:04:56,820 --> 00:04:59,020 like a beautiful wheelchair, 96 00:04:59,020 --> 00:05:01,220 a accessible vehicle. 97 00:05:01,220 --> 00:05:04,820 And it means that Lily is actually accessing her community. 98 00:05:04,820 --> 00:05:05,100 And it means that Lily is actually accessing her community. She's being seen. She's being included. 99 00:05:05,100 --> 00:05:09,100 She's being seen. She's being included. 100 00:05:09,100 --> 00:05:11,540 STAFF: Good morning! Hi, Lily! Good morning. (CHUCKLES) 101 00:05:17,420 --> 00:05:18,900 GEOFF BELL: Most disabled people 102 00:05:18,900 --> 00:05:21,380 don't even know that they should have rights. 103 00:05:22,300 --> 00:05:24,260 People living with disabilities 104 00:05:24,260 --> 00:05:28,300 have fought hard for equality and inclusion over decades. 105 00:05:28,300 --> 00:05:34,380 PROTESTERS: (CHANT) No more cuts! No more cuts! No more cuts! 106 00:05:34,380 --> 00:05:36,140 No more cuts! 107 00:05:36,140 --> 00:05:39,820 No more cuts! No more cuts! 108 00:05:39,820 --> 00:05:43,740 NATALIE WADE: When people with disability came out of institutions, 109 00:05:43,740 --> 00:05:43,980 NATALIE WADE: When people with funding was scarce, 110 00:05:43,980 --> 00:05:46,980 funding was scarce, 111 00:05:46,980 --> 00:05:47,220 and, so, there were all funding was scarce, 112 00:05:47,220 --> 00:05:50,140 and, so, there were all these really horrific stories 113 00:05:50,140 --> 00:05:55,300 of people not having their everyday, very basic human rights met. 114 00:05:55,300 --> 00:05:55,540 That was really the turning point of people not having their everyday, very basic human rights met. 115 00:05:55,540 --> 00:05:58,420 That was really the turning point 116 00:05:58,420 --> 00:06:02,180 that led us to the National Disability Insurance Scheme 117 00:06:02,180 --> 00:06:02,420 that led us to the National Disability Insurance Scheme to provide a consistent, reliable 118 00:06:02,420 --> 00:06:05,620 to provide a consistent, reliable 119 00:06:05,620 --> 00:06:07,100 disability care system 120 00:06:07,100 --> 00:06:08,580 for all Australians. 121 00:06:08,580 --> 00:06:10,420 The Prime Minister has the call. 122 00:06:13,980 --> 00:06:17,940 Disability care starts in seven weeks' time 123 00:06:17,940 --> 00:06:18,180 Disability care and there will be no turning back. 124 00:06:18,180 --> 00:06:20,660 and there will be no turning back. 125 00:06:20,660 --> 00:06:20,860 and there will be no turning back. I commend this bill to the House. 126 00:06:20,860 --> 00:06:23,100 I commend this bill to the House. 127 00:06:23,100 --> 00:06:24,340 Hear, hear! 128 00:06:24,340 --> 00:06:26,060 (APPLAUSE) 129 00:06:26,060 --> 00:06:28,260 The National Disability Insurance Scheme 130 00:06:28,260 --> 00:06:31,740 gave people with disability their own funding 131 00:06:31,740 --> 00:06:35,620 to purchase support and services from a private market. 132 00:06:37,220 --> 00:06:40,380 The NDIS is a revolutionary scheme. 133 00:06:40,380 --> 00:06:40,580 It's admired The NDIS is a revolutionary scheme. 134 00:06:40,580 --> 00:06:42,060 It's admired 135 00:06:42,060 --> 00:06:44,460 in many countries around the world 136 00:06:44,460 --> 00:06:45,940 and what it's done 137 00:06:45,940 --> 00:06:48,340 is shifted the balance of power 138 00:06:48,340 --> 00:06:50,580 so that, people with disabilities, 139 00:06:50,580 --> 00:06:52,860 we now have the choice and control 140 00:06:52,860 --> 00:06:56,420 of our lives and of the services that we receive. 141 00:06:58,420 --> 00:07:01,540 The NDIS has blown out, 142 00:07:01,540 --> 00:07:04,180 this year costing more than Medicare 143 00:07:04,180 --> 00:07:09,660 and projected to cost $90 billion a year within a decade. 144 00:07:10,620 --> 00:07:13,380 The number of people on the scheme has soared 145 00:07:13,380 --> 00:07:13,660 because the states have largely stopped funding services. The number of people on the scheme has soared 146 00:07:13,660 --> 00:07:17,060 because the states have largely stopped funding services. 147 00:07:26,980 --> 00:07:29,180 Yeah, so, look at this one. 148 00:07:30,340 --> 00:07:31,820 (READS) "Too many shonky providers 149 00:07:31,820 --> 00:07:33,460 "are offering respite accommodation..." 150 00:07:33,460 --> 00:07:37,020 Three months ago we launched a crowdsourced investigation 151 00:07:37,020 --> 00:07:41,580 asking people to tell us about their experience with the NDIS. 152 00:07:41,580 --> 00:07:43,820 This is from an insider 153 00:07:43,820 --> 00:07:46,140 saying, "Service providers are stealing money from clients 154 00:07:46,140 --> 00:07:49,020 "by conducting bookings in the portal without their knowledge, 155 00:07:49,020 --> 00:07:52,500 "not providing the service but still taking the money." 156 00:07:52,500 --> 00:07:54,740 That seems to be a recurring theme. 157 00:07:54,740 --> 00:07:59,740 Hundreds of participants, their families and workers reached out. 158 00:07:59,740 --> 00:07:59,980 Hundreds of participants, their Yeah, we've got a few calls as well. 159 00:07:59,980 --> 00:08:02,420 Yeah, we've got a few calls as well. 160 00:08:02,420 --> 00:08:06,220 RECORDING: Providers charging exorbitant amounts of money, 161 00:08:06,220 --> 00:08:08,700 taking massive amounts of fees. 162 00:08:08,700 --> 00:08:11,340 The number-one concern - 163 00:08:11,340 --> 00:08:13,220 overcharging and fraud. 164 00:08:13,220 --> 00:08:18,300 RECORDING 2: I've had two providers embezzle money from my fund, 165 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:20,820 which have not been investigated. 166 00:08:20,820 --> 00:08:22,620 Out of the way. Ram the door. 167 00:08:24,500 --> 00:08:26,220 Police! Search warrant! 168 00:08:26,220 --> 00:08:28,220 Keep going. Keep going. Police! Search warrant! 169 00:08:28,220 --> 00:08:28,460 Keep going. Keep going. Go, go, go! 170 00:08:28,460 --> 00:08:29,260 Go, go, go! 171 00:08:32,140 --> 00:08:36,580 Headlines about NDIS fraud focus on organised crime. 172 00:08:37,780 --> 00:08:41,580 We've now got 44 criminal investigations underway. 173 00:08:48,740 --> 00:08:50,860 If they go with a plan manager... 174 00:08:50,860 --> 00:08:52,140 But our investigation 175 00:08:52,140 --> 00:08:56,180 found more money is being lost to legitimate providers. 176 00:08:56,180 --> 00:08:56,460 It's actually very easy to overcharge or put in an invoice found more money is being lost to legitimate providers. 177 00:08:56,460 --> 00:09:00,820 It's actually very easy to overcharge or put in an invoice 178 00:09:00,820 --> 00:09:03,620 that is not legitimate. 179 00:09:03,620 --> 00:09:03,860 that is not legitimate. Collin Mullane helps people coordinate their plans. 180 00:09:03,860 --> 00:09:07,620 Collin Mullane helps people coordinate their plans. 181 00:09:07,620 --> 00:09:11,860 He tells us how providers can overcharge and defraud clients 182 00:09:11,860 --> 00:09:17,420 by sending invoices directly to the National Disability Insurance Agency, 183 00:09:17,420 --> 00:09:17,660 by sending invoices directly to the the NDIA, 184 00:09:17,660 --> 00:09:19,100 the NDIA, 185 00:09:19,100 --> 00:09:21,500 which manages all payments. 186 00:09:21,500 --> 00:09:23,420 So, the NDIS 187 00:09:23,420 --> 00:09:27,620 would just pay an invoice regardless of whether the work has been done. 188 00:09:27,620 --> 00:09:27,860 would just pay an invoice regardless It will just get paid. 189 00:09:27,860 --> 00:09:28,860 It will just get paid. 190 00:09:28,860 --> 00:09:29,100 Nobody is verifying It will just get paid. 191 00:09:29,100 --> 00:09:32,300 Nobody is verifying that the actual work was done. 192 00:09:32,300 --> 00:09:34,940 Participants are unaware they're getting ripped off, 193 00:09:34,940 --> 00:09:39,500 and the NDIA is forking out the money. 194 00:09:39,500 --> 00:09:42,220 It is unfortunately very easy 195 00:09:42,220 --> 00:09:44,060 to put in fraudulent claims 196 00:09:44,060 --> 00:09:46,300 because the NDIS systems 197 00:09:46,300 --> 00:09:46,540 because the NDIS systems don't require you to upload a receipt. 198 00:09:46,540 --> 00:09:48,820 don't require you to upload a receipt. 199 00:09:48,820 --> 00:09:52,420 When you make a claim, and even if you do upload a receipt, 200 00:09:52,420 --> 00:09:54,740 there is no real system in the back end 201 00:09:54,740 --> 00:09:59,580 to check the validity of the receipts that you're uploading. 202 00:10:01,260 --> 00:10:05,540 The Auditor-General has been warning the NDIA for years 203 00:10:05,540 --> 00:10:09,820 that these payment arrangements pose a high risk of fraud, 204 00:10:09,820 --> 00:10:12,060 and as recently as June this year 205 00:10:12,060 --> 00:10:14,380 said, "The frequency and rigour" 206 00:10:14,380 --> 00:10:16,660 of its "assessment of fraud risks 207 00:10:16,660 --> 00:10:18,460 "is insufficient." 208 00:10:20,460 --> 00:10:24,140 The NDIS is certainly bleeding money this way. 209 00:10:25,340 --> 00:10:27,380 We've been doing our own digging 210 00:10:27,380 --> 00:10:31,500 into just how much is being overclaimed by providers. 211 00:10:33,660 --> 00:10:37,380 So, when the NDIA checks up on providers 212 00:10:37,380 --> 00:10:40,300 to see if they're overcharging or charging incorrectly, 213 00:10:40,300 --> 00:10:40,540 to see if they're overcharging what do they find? 214 00:10:40,540 --> 00:10:41,780 what do they find? 215 00:10:41,780 --> 00:10:43,540 So, in June 2022 216 00:10:43,540 --> 00:10:47,940 they identified tens of thousands of incorrect or non-compliant payments 217 00:10:47,940 --> 00:10:50,660 worth almost $44.8 million. 218 00:10:50,660 --> 00:10:54,340 Each year the NDIA has to estimate how much it thinks it's losing 219 00:10:54,340 --> 00:10:56,580 because of errors and fraudulent activity. 220 00:10:56,580 --> 00:10:59,420 And in the last financial year it was actually quite big. 221 00:10:59,420 --> 00:11:02,740 So, the estimated potential financial impact of provider errors 222 00:11:02,740 --> 00:11:02,980 So, the estimated potential was $606 million. 223 00:11:02,980 --> 00:11:04,660 was $606 million. 224 00:11:04,660 --> 00:11:05,660 Wow. 225 00:11:05,660 --> 00:11:10,780 $606 million from either errors or fraud by providers? 226 00:11:10,780 --> 00:11:12,220 That's right. It's quite a big figure. 227 00:11:12,220 --> 00:11:12,460 That's right. Yep. 228 00:11:12,460 --> 00:11:13,260 Yep. 229 00:11:37,100 --> 00:11:39,380 JAMIE CULHANE: Gonna catch some fish today or what? 230 00:11:39,380 --> 00:11:41,980 MATT: Fingers crossed, mate. Fingers crossed. 231 00:11:41,980 --> 00:11:42,220 MATT: Fingers crossed, mate. (CHUCKLES) 232 00:11:42,220 --> 00:11:43,660 (CHUCKLES) 233 00:11:50,100 --> 00:11:54,540 Jamie Culhane greets each new day with optimism. 234 00:11:58,580 --> 00:12:00,980 Makes me feel good. I love fishing. 235 00:12:00,980 --> 00:12:02,900 I've got two favourite hobbies - 236 00:12:02,900 --> 00:12:07,060 that's betting on the horses and fishing. 237 00:12:09,580 --> 00:12:14,380 It's a massive change from where he was just 18 months ago, 238 00:12:14,380 --> 00:12:14,620 It's a massive change living in shocking conditions. 239 00:12:14,620 --> 00:12:17,500 living in shocking conditions. 240 00:12:18,500 --> 00:12:22,900 It was like living in a hellhole, that place. 241 00:12:24,460 --> 00:12:29,060 People like Jamie are at the mercy of NDIS providers. 242 00:12:33,500 --> 00:12:35,860 Jamie lived at Sydenham Grace, 243 00:12:35,860 --> 00:12:37,460 a supported residential service, 244 00:12:37,460 --> 00:12:40,460 a type of boarding house in Melbourne. 245 00:12:41,420 --> 00:12:46,220 The 56-year-old has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 246 00:12:46,220 --> 00:12:46,460 The 56-year-old has schizophrenia and was living with 16 other people, 247 00:12:46,460 --> 00:12:48,900 and was living with 16 other people, 248 00:12:48,900 --> 00:12:52,620 many with psychosocial disabilities. 249 00:12:54,500 --> 00:12:56,540 Yeah, this is the place. Yeah. 250 00:12:56,540 --> 00:12:56,780 Yeah, this is the place. Yep. 251 00:12:56,780 --> 00:12:57,660 Yep. 252 00:12:58,900 --> 00:13:02,860 The layout is like cells, one cell after another 253 00:13:02,860 --> 00:13:03,100 The layout is like cells, all the way down the hallway. 254 00:13:03,100 --> 00:13:05,020 all the way down the hallway. 255 00:13:05,020 --> 00:13:08,180 There was a big padlock on the door 256 00:13:08,180 --> 00:13:09,660 with a chain 257 00:13:09,660 --> 00:13:09,860 so thick, massive, with a chain 258 00:13:09,860 --> 00:13:12,380 so thick, massive, 259 00:13:12,380 --> 00:13:16,660 like you were locked in like you're in prison. 260 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:25,180 These are the conditions which Jamie and others were living in 261 00:13:25,180 --> 00:13:27,500 at Sydenham Grace and Grace Manor, 262 00:13:27,500 --> 00:13:31,740 another boarding house connected to the same owners. 263 00:13:31,740 --> 00:13:36,860 Both facilities were forced shut last year by the Victorian regulator, 264 00:13:36,860 --> 00:13:41,380 which found people were kept in uninhabitable living conditions, 265 00:13:41,380 --> 00:13:43,220 had insufficient food 266 00:13:43,220 --> 00:13:48,020 and were subject to bullying, intimidation and abuse. 267 00:13:51,420 --> 00:13:53,340 How did you feel living there? 268 00:13:53,340 --> 00:13:55,260 Phoo. Shit. 269 00:14:00,300 --> 00:14:02,900 It was bad place to live. 270 00:14:07,980 --> 00:14:10,460 I went through hell in that place. 271 00:14:15,420 --> 00:14:19,140 The boarding house wasn't an NDIS facility, 272 00:14:19,140 --> 00:14:23,700 but the owners did have two NDIS businesses. 273 00:14:23,700 --> 00:14:26,860 They signed up the majority of the residents in the house 274 00:14:26,860 --> 00:14:27,100 They signed up the majority as their NDIS clients, 275 00:14:27,100 --> 00:14:28,860 as their NDIS clients, 276 00:14:28,860 --> 00:14:30,580 including Jamie. 277 00:14:31,540 --> 00:14:37,860 This meant they could access some or all of their NDIS funding. 278 00:14:39,820 --> 00:14:43,100 Why do you think they were signing you up for the NDIS? 279 00:14:43,100 --> 00:14:43,340 Why do you think they were Can I tell you why? 280 00:14:43,340 --> 00:14:45,380 Can I tell you why? 281 00:14:45,380 --> 00:14:47,220 I'll tell you why straight out. 282 00:14:47,220 --> 00:14:48,580 For this. 283 00:14:49,540 --> 00:14:51,500 That's all it's all about. 284 00:14:54,380 --> 00:14:58,380 (PHONE LINE RINGS) 285 00:14:58,380 --> 00:14:59,580 (ON PHONE) Hi! 286 00:14:59,580 --> 00:15:01,260 Hello? Is that Parvinder? 287 00:15:01,260 --> 00:15:02,060 Yes. 288 00:15:02,060 --> 00:15:05,380 Hello, Parvinder. My name is Anne Connelly. I'm from the ABC. 289 00:15:05,380 --> 00:15:05,620 Hello, Parvinder. My name We called Parvinder Kaur, 290 00:15:05,620 --> 00:15:07,580 We called Parvinder Kaur, 291 00:15:07,580 --> 00:15:11,460 one of the co-owners of Jamie's boarding house. 292 00:15:11,460 --> 00:15:12,980 The complaint that we've had 293 00:15:12,980 --> 00:15:19,060 from people that have been signed up by you as their NDIS provider 294 00:15:19,060 --> 00:15:21,580 is that you're really only in it for the money. 295 00:15:21,580 --> 00:15:24,620 I would say I highly disagree with that. 296 00:15:24,620 --> 00:15:26,860 We provide more services, 297 00:15:26,860 --> 00:15:28,700 I would say, sometime even the funding is not there. 298 00:15:28,700 --> 00:15:28,940 I would say, sometime We are doing above and beyond. 299 00:15:28,940 --> 00:15:30,860 We are doing above and beyond. 300 00:15:30,860 --> 00:15:33,340 Should you be an NDIS provider 301 00:15:33,340 --> 00:15:33,580 when you've had two facilities Should you be an NDIS provider 302 00:15:33,580 --> 00:15:37,540 when you've had two facilities closed down by the state regulator 303 00:15:37,540 --> 00:15:40,420 because of the very poor conditions there? 304 00:15:40,420 --> 00:15:44,540 The proof the facilities closed down is for any number of reasons. 305 00:15:44,540 --> 00:15:48,060 It can be a personal vendetta, it can be any reason. 306 00:15:48,060 --> 00:15:50,300 But is there any proof 307 00:15:50,300 --> 00:15:53,060 which makes me ineligible 308 00:15:53,060 --> 00:15:56,020 to be looking after the people who are disabled? 309 00:15:56,020 --> 00:16:01,020 The NDIS regulator, the Quality and Safeguards Commission, 310 00:16:01,020 --> 00:16:05,420 deregistered one of Ms Kaur's companies, which she's contesting, 311 00:16:05,420 --> 00:16:09,660 but it allowed her to remain an NDIS provider. 312 00:16:09,660 --> 00:16:12,220 Thanks, Anne. Have a good day. Thank you. Thanks, Parvinder. 313 00:16:12,220 --> 00:16:12,460 Thanks, Anne. Have a good day. (PHONE LINE BEEPS) 314 00:16:12,460 --> 00:16:14,020 (PHONE LINE BEEPS) 315 00:16:15,260 --> 00:16:17,660 They're now free to set up new companies 316 00:16:17,660 --> 00:16:17,900 They're now free and go about their business 317 00:16:17,900 --> 00:16:19,500 and go about their business 318 00:16:19,500 --> 00:16:23,140 of apparently looking after our most vulnerable people. 319 00:16:23,140 --> 00:16:23,420 of apparently looking after our most vulnerable people. It's disgraceful. Nobody should be treated like this. 320 00:16:23,420 --> 00:16:26,900 It's disgraceful. Nobody should be treated like this. 321 00:16:28,180 --> 00:16:30,140 There are 4,000 people 322 00:16:30,140 --> 00:16:33,900 living in other boarding houses of this type in Victoria. 323 00:16:33,900 --> 00:16:34,180 living in other boarding houses of this type in Victoria. 1,600 of them have NDIS packages worth $200 million a year. 324 00:16:34,180 --> 00:16:41,020 1,600 of them have NDIS packages worth $200 million a year. 325 00:16:42,380 --> 00:16:46,780 How attractive are they to unscrupulous providers then? 326 00:16:46,780 --> 00:16:47,020 How attractive are they Well, at $200 million, 327 00:16:47,020 --> 00:16:49,540 Well, at $200 million, 328 00:16:49,540 --> 00:16:52,140 they are extremely attractive. 329 00:16:53,740 --> 00:16:55,580 Charlotte Jones has evidence 330 00:16:55,580 --> 00:16:59,580 that many of these residents have been lured to private accommodation 331 00:16:59,580 --> 00:17:01,820 by unscrupulous providers, 332 00:17:01,820 --> 00:17:05,020 sometimes taken in the dead of night. 333 00:17:06,060 --> 00:17:07,660 It is human trafficking. 334 00:17:07,660 --> 00:17:07,900 You're trafficking that person It is human trafficking. 335 00:17:07,900 --> 00:17:10,540 You're trafficking that person for the financial gain. 336 00:17:10,540 --> 00:17:13,140 You'll have somebody walking in saying, 337 00:17:13,140 --> 00:17:15,940 "Well, I have this house in this place, 338 00:17:15,940 --> 00:17:16,180 "Well, I have this house "and you can come and live there 339 00:17:16,180 --> 00:17:17,700 "and you can come and live there 340 00:17:17,700 --> 00:17:17,940 "and we'll give you pizza "and you can come and live there 341 00:17:17,940 --> 00:17:20,980 "and we'll give you pizza every night 342 00:17:20,980 --> 00:17:21,220 "and we'll give you pizza "and there'll be a flat-screen TV 343 00:17:21,220 --> 00:17:22,660 "and there'll be a flat-screen TV 344 00:17:22,660 --> 00:17:24,700 "and you can always choose what you watch 345 00:17:24,700 --> 00:17:24,940 "and you can always choose "and you'll have your own room," 346 00:17:24,940 --> 00:17:26,460 "and you'll have your own room," 347 00:17:26,460 --> 00:17:26,700 and all of these other things "and you'll have your own room," 348 00:17:26,700 --> 00:17:30,780 and all of these other things to entice them to come with them. 349 00:17:34,740 --> 00:17:39,460 Anyone can be an NDIS provider, sign up participants 350 00:17:39,460 --> 00:17:39,700 Anyone can be an NDIS provider, and charge for services 351 00:17:39,700 --> 00:17:41,660 and charge for services 352 00:17:41,660 --> 00:17:43,900 even if they don't deliver them. 353 00:17:46,620 --> 00:17:48,100 When they're brought out here 354 00:17:48,100 --> 00:17:50,500 they're removed from their communities, 355 00:17:50,500 --> 00:17:53,100 so, they become really isolated. 356 00:17:53,100 --> 00:17:56,100 (BIRDS TWITTER) 357 00:17:56,100 --> 00:17:59,060 It's here in Melbourne's outer suburbs 358 00:17:59,060 --> 00:18:02,180 that providers are bringing people to live. 359 00:18:02,180 --> 00:18:06,700 A group of nurses have taken matters into their own hands 360 00:18:06,700 --> 00:18:06,940 A group of nurses have taken matters and have been rescuing them. 361 00:18:06,940 --> 00:18:09,780 and have been rescuing them. 362 00:18:09,780 --> 00:18:14,300 Linda Karafili tells us about one in particular. 363 00:18:14,300 --> 00:18:18,300 I remember receiving a call from him absolutely desperate 364 00:18:18,300 --> 00:18:21,740 saying, "I'm scared to leave. I'm going to be homeless." 365 00:18:21,740 --> 00:18:21,980 There is so much money to be made saying, "I'm scared to leave. I'm going to be homeless." 366 00:18:21,980 --> 00:18:25,100 There is so much money to be made 367 00:18:25,100 --> 00:18:27,860 from ripping off these clients. 368 00:18:27,860 --> 00:18:28,060 from ripping off these clients. So, are these people cash cows? 369 00:18:28,060 --> 00:18:31,300 So, are these people cash cows? 370 00:18:31,300 --> 00:18:33,300 Absolutely. Absolutely. 371 00:18:33,300 --> 00:18:34,540 I would... 372 00:18:34,540 --> 00:18:37,020 The way that these people are treated 373 00:18:37,020 --> 00:18:40,060 is like they are stock for these operators, 374 00:18:40,060 --> 00:18:42,100 so, the more stock they have 375 00:18:42,100 --> 00:18:47,540 the more revenue...NDIS taxpayer revenue they're bringing in. 376 00:18:47,540 --> 00:18:47,780 the more revenue...NDIS taxpayer So, yeah, absolutely cash cows. 377 00:18:47,780 --> 00:18:50,420 So, yeah, absolutely cash cows. 378 00:18:51,380 --> 00:18:55,660 Linda and her fellow nurses have been warning NDIS regulators 379 00:18:55,660 --> 00:18:59,060 about this disturbing practice for five years. 380 00:18:59,060 --> 00:18:59,300 about this disturbing practice Their concerns were ignored. 381 00:18:59,300 --> 00:19:01,580 Their concerns were ignored. 382 00:19:02,540 --> 00:19:07,220 Myself and many of my colleagues have contacted the NDIS Commission, 383 00:19:07,220 --> 00:19:07,460 Myself and many of my colleagues spent hours on the phone. 384 00:19:07,460 --> 00:19:08,940 spent hours on the phone. 385 00:19:08,940 --> 00:19:12,300 We all are aware what is happening to people, 386 00:19:12,300 --> 00:19:15,900 the terrible circumstances the clients are in. 387 00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:17,620 But we just... We can't be heard. 388 00:19:17,620 --> 00:19:21,300 We're not having anyone take that on board and take any action. 389 00:19:22,220 --> 00:19:27,780 Tracy Mackey is the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner. 390 00:19:27,780 --> 00:19:30,020 She's the regulator responsible 391 00:19:30,020 --> 00:19:35,260 for ensuring people with disabilities are safe from abuse and neglect. 392 00:19:35,260 --> 00:19:37,500 Do you know where all of those people are? 393 00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:37,780 We shouldn't know where all they are. Do you know where all of those people are? 394 00:19:37,780 --> 00:19:39,460 We shouldn't know where all they are. 395 00:19:39,460 --> 00:19:42,940 We're not keeping tabs on, as I said, the individual decision-making 396 00:19:42,940 --> 00:19:45,140 of where someone might choose to live. 397 00:19:45,140 --> 00:19:45,420 of where someone might choose to live. That is absolutely part of their right. 398 00:19:45,420 --> 00:19:47,980 That is absolutely part of their right. 399 00:19:47,980 --> 00:19:51,340 And, in fact, at the forefront of what we do at the commission 400 00:19:51,340 --> 00:19:52,940 is the rights of people with disability, 401 00:19:52,940 --> 00:19:56,260 making sure that we uphold and respect those rights. 402 00:19:56,260 --> 00:19:56,500 making sure that we uphold So, how can you be sure they're safe? 403 00:19:56,500 --> 00:19:58,740 So, how can you be sure they're safe? 404 00:19:58,740 --> 00:20:00,260 If they have a disability, 405 00:20:00,260 --> 00:20:01,620 they might not have family 406 00:20:01,620 --> 00:20:04,100 and they have a provider who's taking advantage of them. 407 00:20:04,100 --> 00:20:06,900 If they have a provider who's taking advantage of them, 408 00:20:06,900 --> 00:20:10,100 we would really encourage them to get in contact with us. 409 00:20:10,100 --> 00:20:12,340 And there are a range of ways that they can do that... 410 00:20:12,340 --> 00:20:15,700 Sorry to interrupt you, but these are people with psychosocial disabilities 411 00:20:15,700 --> 00:20:15,940 Sorry to interrupt you, but these are who may not have access to a phone, 412 00:20:15,940 --> 00:20:18,220 who may not have access to a phone, 413 00:20:18,220 --> 00:20:20,580 don't know how to reach the commission. 414 00:20:20,580 --> 00:20:23,100 Do you really expect that they're going to be making a complaint 415 00:20:23,100 --> 00:20:26,460 about the provider who is responsible for their welfare? 416 00:20:27,420 --> 00:20:28,940 So, that's why we're so pleased 417 00:20:28,940 --> 00:20:29,180 to see the number of complaints So, that's why we're so pleased 418 00:20:29,180 --> 00:20:31,540 to see the number of complaints increasing. 419 00:20:33,180 --> 00:20:37,740 Complaints are at a record high of 16,000 this year, 420 00:20:37,740 --> 00:20:41,180 up more than 40% on the previous year. 421 00:20:42,740 --> 00:20:46,140 I think, in hindsight, the NDIS was rolled out too quickly. 422 00:20:46,140 --> 00:20:46,380 I think, in hindsight, It would have been better 423 00:20:46,380 --> 00:20:47,660 It would have been better 424 00:20:47,660 --> 00:20:49,500 had it proceeded 425 00:20:49,500 --> 00:20:49,740 had it proceeded at the original pace recommended by the Productivity Commission, 426 00:20:49,740 --> 00:20:53,100 at the original pace recommended by the Productivity Commission, 427 00:20:53,100 --> 00:20:57,660 with plenty of time to do the trials, to gather lessons learned, 428 00:20:57,660 --> 00:20:59,900 to potentially fine-tune the scheme 429 00:20:59,900 --> 00:21:01,340 before it was scaled up 430 00:21:01,340 --> 00:21:01,580 to the full cohort before it was scaled up 431 00:21:01,580 --> 00:21:05,860 to the full cohort of 500,000 to 600,000 participants. 432 00:21:05,860 --> 00:21:10,260 Hassan Noura was the head of strategy at the NDIA. 433 00:21:10,260 --> 00:21:10,500 Hassan Noura He left early last year. 434 00:21:10,500 --> 00:21:12,460 He left early last year. 435 00:21:12,460 --> 00:21:16,020 He says safeguarding people with disability 436 00:21:16,020 --> 00:21:21,020 was left behind in the rush to get the NDIS up and running. 437 00:21:21,020 --> 00:21:22,580 The Quality and Safeguards Commission 438 00:21:22,580 --> 00:21:25,940 simply does not have the resources and the capacity 439 00:21:25,940 --> 00:21:26,180 simply does not have to be able to properly safeguard 440 00:21:26,180 --> 00:21:30,180 to be able to properly safeguard 441 00:21:30,180 --> 00:21:30,420 the welfare, the safety to be able to properly safeguard 442 00:21:30,420 --> 00:21:33,780 the welfare, the safety of participants in the scheme. 443 00:21:35,940 --> 00:21:39,100 (WAVE CRASHES) 444 00:21:46,540 --> 00:21:50,620 It was here in Budgewoi on the New South Wales Central Coast 445 00:21:50,620 --> 00:21:53,300 that Adele Leicester raised her family, 446 00:21:53,300 --> 00:21:53,540 that Adele Leicester including her only daughter, Ashlee. 447 00:21:53,540 --> 00:21:56,540 including her only daughter, Ashlee. 448 00:21:58,140 --> 00:22:00,340 Did you say hello to Bailey? 449 00:22:02,820 --> 00:22:04,780 Say, "Hi, Bailey." 450 00:22:06,100 --> 00:22:08,340 You want Bailey to sing to you? 451 00:22:12,260 --> 00:22:13,980 I'll sing to ya. 452 00:22:13,980 --> 00:22:15,660 Come on. 453 00:22:15,660 --> 00:22:17,060 (CRIES) 454 00:22:24,100 --> 00:22:26,340 She was always happy. 455 00:22:28,060 --> 00:22:30,420 She liked going to school. 456 00:22:33,260 --> 00:22:35,780 We didn't know she had a disability, 457 00:22:35,780 --> 00:22:39,420 but we figured it out before the doctors. 458 00:22:39,420 --> 00:22:40,700 So... 459 00:22:40,700 --> 00:22:40,900 She has cerebral palsy, So... 460 00:22:40,900 --> 00:22:42,780 She has cerebral palsy, 461 00:22:42,780 --> 00:22:46,300 severe intellectual delay, 462 00:22:46,300 --> 00:22:47,780 epilepsy 463 00:22:47,780 --> 00:22:47,980 epilepsy and autistic tendencies. 464 00:22:47,980 --> 00:22:50,340 and autistic tendencies. 465 00:22:52,580 --> 00:22:55,380 When Ashlee was in her early 20s 466 00:22:55,380 --> 00:22:57,380 she moved into this group home 467 00:22:57,380 --> 00:22:57,620 with four other people she moved into this group home 468 00:22:57,620 --> 00:23:02,140 with four other people with intellectual disabilities. 469 00:23:02,140 --> 00:23:05,660 The home is run by Lifestyle Solutions, 470 00:23:05,660 --> 00:23:08,580 one of the country's biggest NDIS providers, 471 00:23:08,580 --> 00:23:14,940 receiving $183 million last year in taxpayer funds. 472 00:23:14,940 --> 00:23:15,220 VIDEO VOICEOVER: We see you. Lifestyle Solutions. receiving $183 million last year in taxpayer funds. 473 00:23:15,220 --> 00:23:18,060 VIDEO VOICEOVER: We see you. Lifestyle Solutions. 474 00:23:18,060 --> 00:23:21,300 Everyday disability support you can count on. 475 00:23:22,300 --> 00:23:24,220 In 2020 476 00:23:24,220 --> 00:23:24,460 Adele says Lifestyle Solutions In 2020 477 00:23:24,460 --> 00:23:27,900 Adele says Lifestyle Solutions began calling her, 478 00:23:27,900 --> 00:23:28,140 Adele says Lifestyle Solutions saying there were altercations 479 00:23:28,140 --> 00:23:30,020 saying there were altercations 480 00:23:30,020 --> 00:23:33,140 between her daughter and other residents. 481 00:23:33,140 --> 00:23:34,940 What was the sense that you were getting 482 00:23:34,940 --> 00:23:36,980 from Lifestyle Solutions management 483 00:23:36,980 --> 00:23:38,460 about what was happening? 484 00:23:38,460 --> 00:23:40,580 That they were minor incidents. 485 00:23:40,580 --> 00:23:42,260 They were all Ashlee's fault 486 00:23:42,260 --> 00:23:42,500 because of Ashlee... They were all Ashlee's fault 487 00:23:42,500 --> 00:23:44,940 because of Ashlee... she DOES make noises, 488 00:23:44,940 --> 00:23:51,140 and her noises was irritating the other clients. 489 00:23:51,140 --> 00:23:51,380 It didn't really work well. and her noises was irritating the other clients. 490 00:23:51,380 --> 00:23:53,100 It didn't really work well. 491 00:23:53,100 --> 00:23:58,500 There was five residents in the property, 492 00:23:58,500 --> 00:23:58,780 There was five residents in the property, all with high needs, high behaviours. 493 00:23:58,780 --> 00:24:01,540 all with high needs, high behaviours. 494 00:24:02,500 --> 00:24:05,940 Amie Carroll was one of Ashlee's support workers 495 00:24:05,940 --> 00:24:06,180 Amie Carroll at the Lifestyle Solutions home. 496 00:24:06,180 --> 00:24:08,420 at the Lifestyle Solutions home. 497 00:24:08,420 --> 00:24:11,700 She says there were frequent assaults. 498 00:24:11,700 --> 00:24:15,900 So, this is an incident report you filled out. What happened here? 499 00:24:15,900 --> 00:24:16,140 So, this is an incident report This was an incident 500 00:24:16,140 --> 00:24:17,620 This was an incident 501 00:24:17,620 --> 00:24:21,140 where Ashlee was physically assaulted by another resident. 502 00:24:21,140 --> 00:24:23,860 He had put her in a headlock 503 00:24:23,860 --> 00:24:27,420 and had bit her on the upper back and pulled her hair. 504 00:24:27,420 --> 00:24:27,660 and had bit her on the upper back It was very aggressive. 505 00:24:27,660 --> 00:24:29,660 It was very aggressive. 506 00:24:29,660 --> 00:24:32,620 And how often were these assaults happening in there? 507 00:24:32,620 --> 00:24:35,420 Two to three times a week, I'd say. 508 00:24:36,380 --> 00:24:38,060 In June 2021 509 00:24:38,060 --> 00:24:42,300 an ambulance was called after an incident involving Ashlee. 510 00:24:42,300 --> 00:24:44,660 She wasn't taken to hospital. 511 00:24:44,660 --> 00:24:47,540 Amie found her the next morning. 512 00:24:47,540 --> 00:24:51,660 She says her teeth were so loose they were falling out. 513 00:24:52,860 --> 00:24:56,740 I found her in bed, covered in blood all up the side of her face 514 00:24:56,740 --> 00:24:56,980 I found her in bed, covered in blood and her mouth was bleeding. 515 00:24:56,980 --> 00:24:58,980 and her mouth was bleeding. 516 00:24:58,980 --> 00:25:01,900 It was on the pillow cases and the sheets. 517 00:25:01,900 --> 00:25:06,820 I had to wait until 8:00 to be able to call my team leader. 518 00:25:06,820 --> 00:25:07,060 I had to wait until 8:00 And once I spoke with her, I said, 519 00:25:07,060 --> 00:25:09,300 And once I spoke with her, I said, 520 00:25:09,300 --> 00:25:11,340 "Ashlee needs to go to the hospital." 521 00:25:11,340 --> 00:25:14,900 And she said, "No, Ashlee is going to the day program." 522 00:25:14,900 --> 00:25:18,780 I ended up calling Adele and sent Adele some photos through of Ashlee 523 00:25:18,780 --> 00:25:23,140 so we could get some immediate medical treatment for her. 524 00:25:26,300 --> 00:25:29,340 Ashlee's mother didn't know about this incident 525 00:25:29,340 --> 00:25:31,580 until Amie informed her. 526 00:25:33,740 --> 00:25:35,660 Over the next five months 527 00:25:35,660 --> 00:25:40,740 Ashlee had three separate surgeries to have false teeth implanted. 528 00:25:42,300 --> 00:25:45,740 Can you tell me what Lifestyle Solutions told you had happened? 529 00:25:45,740 --> 00:25:46,020 I was told she was running to her room, which she can't run. Can you tell me what Lifestyle Solutions told you had happened? 530 00:25:46,020 --> 00:25:50,380 I was told she was running to her room, which she can't run. 531 00:25:50,380 --> 00:25:52,740 She tripped over 532 00:25:52,740 --> 00:25:52,940 She tripped over shoes that was on the ground 533 00:25:52,940 --> 00:25:55,260 shoes that was on the ground 534 00:25:55,260 --> 00:25:57,660 and fell backwards. 535 00:25:58,740 --> 00:26:00,340 And, as she was falling backwards, 536 00:26:00,340 --> 00:26:00,580 her hands came up And, as she was falling backwards, 537 00:26:00,580 --> 00:26:03,940 her hands came up and she hit herself in the face. 538 00:26:03,940 --> 00:26:04,180 her hands came up And broke her teeth? 539 00:26:04,180 --> 00:26:05,700 And broke her teeth? 540 00:26:05,700 --> 00:26:12,260 Three teeth were snapped at bone level and two teeth were loose. 541 00:26:12,260 --> 00:26:14,500 I don't really know what happened. 542 00:26:14,500 --> 00:26:18,780 I just know it couldn't possibly have been what they told me. 543 00:26:18,780 --> 00:26:21,420 The dentist told me that as well. 544 00:26:22,380 --> 00:26:24,020 Adele then discovered 545 00:26:24,020 --> 00:26:24,260 the previous attacks on Ashlee Adele then discovered 546 00:26:24,260 --> 00:26:28,020 the previous attacks on Ashlee were much more severe. 547 00:26:29,500 --> 00:26:32,180 She obtained reports and photos 548 00:26:32,180 --> 00:26:36,180 which showed a black eye, bruising and bites, 549 00:26:36,180 --> 00:26:40,260 including a bite on her face so deep it scarred. 550 00:26:40,260 --> 00:26:46,420 Her life was getting attacked probably for 18 months, two years. 551 00:26:46,420 --> 00:26:50,980 The most shocking to see, I think, was the bite on the cheek. 552 00:26:50,980 --> 00:26:52,660 She was in bed asleep 553 00:26:52,660 --> 00:26:52,900 and another resident went in She was in bed asleep 554 00:26:52,900 --> 00:26:57,460 and another resident went in and bit her on the face. 555 00:26:57,460 --> 00:27:02,260 But by 'bite', she bites on and doesn't let go. 556 00:27:03,980 --> 00:27:07,020 This is what gets me. (LAUGHS DRYLY) 557 00:27:07,020 --> 00:27:09,700 What was she thinking? 558 00:27:09,700 --> 00:27:12,140 No-one was helping her. 559 00:27:12,140 --> 00:27:14,100 No-one. 560 00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:16,140 You know? 561 00:27:16,140 --> 00:27:18,340 Imagine living like that. 562 00:27:19,380 --> 00:27:21,300 And she couldn't tell anyone. 563 00:27:21,300 --> 00:27:24,700 She couldn't speak. She couldn't... 564 00:27:24,700 --> 00:27:26,940 ..couldn't let us know. 565 00:27:26,940 --> 00:27:32,620 To think that we'd had this 10-year relationship, 566 00:27:32,620 --> 00:27:32,860 To think that we'd had and it was all a lie. 567 00:27:32,860 --> 00:27:35,580 and it was all a lie. 568 00:27:35,580 --> 00:27:38,140 They'd been hiding things from me. 569 00:27:40,300 --> 00:27:44,700 Adele had been agitating to have Ashlee removed from the house 570 00:27:44,700 --> 00:27:49,620 and made a formal complaint to the NDIS Safeguards Commission. 571 00:27:51,020 --> 00:27:54,740 I sent them pictures and incident reports that I had, 572 00:27:54,740 --> 00:27:54,980 I sent them pictures and they said they'd investigate. 573 00:27:54,980 --> 00:27:58,220 and they said they'd investigate. 574 00:28:01,420 --> 00:28:03,180 The safeguarding actions 575 00:28:03,180 --> 00:28:05,180 were taken immediately, 576 00:28:05,180 --> 00:28:06,820 and part of that included 577 00:28:06,820 --> 00:28:09,300 her moving to different accommodation. 578 00:28:09,300 --> 00:28:14,460 And, following that, there was also a range of compliance actions. 579 00:28:14,460 --> 00:28:17,260 What were the compliance actions taken with them? 580 00:28:17,260 --> 00:28:19,220 There was work done with them around the requirements 581 00:28:19,220 --> 00:28:19,460 There was work done with them around their workforce. 582 00:28:19,460 --> 00:28:21,180 around their workforce. 583 00:28:21,180 --> 00:28:26,820 There was work done with them around meeting certain compliance elements, 584 00:28:26,820 --> 00:28:28,700 so, areas of non-compliance. 585 00:28:28,700 --> 00:28:30,580 But what sort of penalty? 586 00:28:30,580 --> 00:28:33,620 There are circumstances in which you would issue a penalty, 587 00:28:33,620 --> 00:28:33,860 There are circumstances penalty infringement notices... 588 00:28:33,860 --> 00:28:35,740 penalty infringement notices... 589 00:28:35,740 --> 00:28:37,460 But you didn't in this situation. 590 00:28:37,460 --> 00:28:41,180 A penalty infringement notice wasn't one of the levers 591 00:28:41,180 --> 00:28:44,660 that the delegates at the time decided to utilise. 592 00:28:45,620 --> 00:28:47,820 In a statement to Four Corners 593 00:28:47,820 --> 00:28:50,340 Lifestyle Solutions said it worked "with Adele 594 00:28:50,340 --> 00:28:54,260 "to obtain supports better suited to Ashlee's needs," 595 00:28:54,260 --> 00:28:57,460 and said it shared its "deepest empathy 596 00:28:57,460 --> 00:29:00,340 "for the distress this situation has caused." 597 00:29:01,660 --> 00:29:05,660 Well, you know... Tss! Who cares? No-one cares. 598 00:29:05,660 --> 00:29:05,900 Well, you know... Tss! Like, Lifestyle didn't care. 599 00:29:05,900 --> 00:29:08,580 Like, Lifestyle didn't care. 600 00:29:08,580 --> 00:29:08,780 Like, Lifestyle didn't care. NDIS didn't seem to care. 601 00:29:08,780 --> 00:29:10,620 NDIS didn't seem to care. 602 00:29:10,620 --> 00:29:12,540 No-one cared. 603 00:29:12,540 --> 00:29:16,220 What do you think would have happened if Ashlee had remained there? 604 00:29:16,220 --> 00:29:19,980 She would have died. I'm sure. She would have died. 605 00:29:19,980 --> 00:29:22,780 (BIRDS SQUAWK) 606 00:29:33,940 --> 00:29:35,820 Big step. 607 00:29:35,820 --> 00:29:37,180 Good girl. 608 00:29:43,300 --> 00:29:44,860 You want to go and see the ducks? 609 00:29:44,860 --> 00:29:46,140 No?! 610 00:29:46,140 --> 00:29:47,740 Poor ducks. 611 00:29:48,700 --> 00:29:53,100 A lot of these people in the group homes don't have parents. 612 00:29:53,100 --> 00:29:57,260 It's, you know... There's got to be more accountability. 613 00:29:57,260 --> 00:29:57,500 It's, you know... There's got to be You look very pretty. 614 00:29:57,500 --> 00:30:00,220 You look very pretty. 615 00:30:00,220 --> 00:30:02,420 You've got your butterflies in. 616 00:30:02,420 --> 00:30:05,260 But they've got to monitor them. 617 00:30:10,740 --> 00:30:13,780 PETRA CHARD: You've got to put all your engines together. 618 00:30:13,780 --> 00:30:18,060 I want to check this one, this big battery. 619 00:30:18,060 --> 00:30:18,300 I want to check this one, This big, giant battery! 620 00:30:18,300 --> 00:30:21,380 This big, giant battery! 621 00:30:25,420 --> 00:30:27,540 Yep, that one's good. That one's good. Yeah. 622 00:30:27,540 --> 00:30:30,860 One of the fastest-growing groups of people on the NDIS 623 00:30:30,860 --> 00:30:31,100 One of the fastest-growing is children with autism. 624 00:30:31,100 --> 00:30:33,940 is children with autism. 625 00:30:33,940 --> 00:30:36,820 Jadon's just the most incredible young man. 626 00:30:36,820 --> 00:30:37,060 Jadon's just the most incredible Same. 627 00:30:37,060 --> 00:30:38,220 Same. 628 00:30:38,220 --> 00:30:39,500 Oh, no! 629 00:30:39,500 --> 00:30:42,980 He fills everyone's heart with joy. 630 00:30:42,980 --> 00:30:45,060 Everyone falls in love with him. 631 00:30:48,500 --> 00:30:50,980 17-year-old Jadon Chard 632 00:30:50,980 --> 00:30:55,980 is happiest when he's surrounded by people who love and care for him. 633 00:30:55,980 --> 00:31:00,140 Because you are the best at building big, long trains. 634 00:31:00,140 --> 00:31:00,380 Because you are the best Absolute best. 635 00:31:00,380 --> 00:31:02,820 Absolute best. 636 00:31:04,980 --> 00:31:08,340 He just has an infectious personality. 637 00:31:09,580 --> 00:31:12,260 Mum, can I play the PS4 now? 638 00:31:13,420 --> 00:31:15,980 I reckon you've done amazing, mate. 639 00:31:22,660 --> 00:31:28,140 Jadon has an intellectual disability, autism and ADHD. 640 00:31:28,140 --> 00:31:29,980 Alright. You ready? Ready! 641 00:31:29,980 --> 00:31:35,100 His disabilities sometimes present as behaviours of concern, 642 00:31:35,100 --> 00:31:35,340 His disabilities sometimes present and in early adolescence 643 00:31:35,340 --> 00:31:37,260 and in early adolescence 644 00:31:37,260 --> 00:31:41,340 those behaviours became more frequent and severe. 645 00:31:41,340 --> 00:31:43,340 Whoa! Good shot, Jay! 646 00:31:44,300 --> 00:31:48,580 Petra, a single mum of three, was desperate for help. 647 00:31:49,380 --> 00:31:53,980 My kids and I, our lives were ruled by Jadon. 648 00:31:54,940 --> 00:31:57,740 Everything we do every day 649 00:31:57,740 --> 00:31:57,940 Everything we do every day was ruled by Jadon. 650 00:31:57,940 --> 00:31:59,660 was ruled by Jadon. 651 00:31:59,660 --> 00:31:59,900 His demands in our household was ruled by Jadon. 652 00:31:59,900 --> 00:32:03,580 His demands in our household were number one. 653 00:32:03,580 --> 00:32:03,820 His demands in our household What Jadon says went. 654 00:32:03,820 --> 00:32:05,740 What Jadon says went. 655 00:32:07,020 --> 00:32:11,300 Jadon was referred to Irabina Autism Services in Melbourne, 656 00:32:11,300 --> 00:32:12,620 promoting itself 657 00:32:12,620 --> 00:32:16,340 as the biggest paediatric autism provider in Australia. 658 00:32:16,340 --> 00:32:16,620 It ran a course for children called the Severe Behaviour program as the biggest paediatric autism provider in Australia. 659 00:32:16,620 --> 00:32:20,660 It ran a course for children called the Severe Behaviour program 660 00:32:20,660 --> 00:32:24,260 based on its own version of a contested therapy 661 00:32:24,260 --> 00:32:28,540 called applied behaviour analysis, or ABA. 662 00:32:28,540 --> 00:32:30,380 IRABINA PROMO: I've had parents tell me 663 00:32:30,380 --> 00:32:33,580 that they felt like we have saved their life quite literally... 664 00:32:33,580 --> 00:32:39,060 Irabina had imported the program from a US autism centre 665 00:32:39,060 --> 00:32:41,660 and had even brought three of its therapists over. 666 00:32:45,500 --> 00:32:47,100 You are desperate, 667 00:32:47,100 --> 00:32:49,500 and when someone says, 668 00:32:49,500 --> 00:32:50,940 "We've got a solution 669 00:32:50,940 --> 00:32:53,180 "and we can change your lives, 670 00:32:53,180 --> 00:32:54,900 "we will make your lives different," 671 00:32:54,900 --> 00:32:56,940 well, of course you jump at it. 672 00:32:56,940 --> 00:32:57,140 Ooh, look, he's coming out! well, of course you jump at it. 673 00:32:57,140 --> 00:32:59,100 Ooh, look, he's coming out! 674 00:32:59,100 --> 00:33:00,900 ABA therapy varies, 675 00:33:00,900 --> 00:33:04,900 but it essentially aims to reduce behaviours of concern 676 00:33:04,900 --> 00:33:05,140 through repetitive exercises. to reduce behaviours of concern 677 00:33:05,140 --> 00:33:07,260 through repetitive exercises. 678 00:33:07,260 --> 00:33:10,180 Santa's already been! (GASPS) 679 00:33:10,180 --> 00:33:10,380 Santa's already been! (GASPS) In 2020, when Jadon was 14, 680 00:33:10,380 --> 00:33:13,060 In 2020, when Jadon was 14, 681 00:33:13,060 --> 00:33:15,740 he was signed up to attend the program 682 00:33:15,740 --> 00:33:15,980 he was signed up six hours a day, five days a week. 683 00:33:15,980 --> 00:33:18,860 six hours a day, five days a week. 684 00:33:18,860 --> 00:33:19,980 Oh, yes! 685 00:33:19,980 --> 00:33:24,660 The year-long treatment was paid for by the NDIS. 686 00:33:25,620 --> 00:33:27,820 How much did it cost? 687 00:33:27,820 --> 00:33:30,900 It was over half a million dollars. 688 00:33:30,900 --> 00:33:35,140 I mean, they've given you this enormous amount of money 689 00:33:35,140 --> 00:33:35,380 I mean, they've given you for this program. 690 00:33:35,380 --> 00:33:37,140 for this program. 691 00:33:37,140 --> 00:33:39,460 Why wouldn't you believe in it? 692 00:33:39,460 --> 00:33:41,140 Why would you think... 693 00:33:42,500 --> 00:33:43,620 ..it... 694 00:33:43,620 --> 00:33:45,500 ..that it's not right? 695 00:33:47,700 --> 00:33:50,900 Jadon had most of his therapy at Irabina 696 00:33:50,900 --> 00:33:53,940 before his treatment moved to the family home. 697 00:33:53,940 --> 00:33:55,780 IRABINA WORKER: Straight ahead to the room. 698 00:33:55,780 --> 00:33:56,580 Oh! 699 00:33:56,580 --> 00:33:57,740 (YELLS) 700 00:33:57,740 --> 00:33:59,820 (SCREAMS) 701 00:33:59,820 --> 00:34:03,700 Petra saw Jadon being asked to comply with instructions 702 00:34:03,700 --> 00:34:06,020 over and over again. 703 00:34:06,020 --> 00:34:08,980 (CRIES) 704 00:34:08,980 --> 00:34:12,700 She was alarmed and decided to film it. 705 00:34:12,700 --> 00:34:17,220 So, they would ask him to follow an instruction, 706 00:34:17,220 --> 00:34:18,500 and if he refused 707 00:34:18,500 --> 00:34:21,580 they would force him to follow that instruction. 708 00:34:21,580 --> 00:34:26,940 So, for example, if they asked him to brush his teeth 709 00:34:26,940 --> 00:34:27,180 So, for example, and he refused, 710 00:34:27,180 --> 00:34:28,900 and he refused, 711 00:34:28,900 --> 00:34:29,140 they would continue to deliver and he refused, 712 00:34:29,140 --> 00:34:33,580 they would continue to deliver that exact same instruction... 713 00:34:34,620 --> 00:34:37,900 ..for anything up to a couple of hours 714 00:34:37,900 --> 00:34:38,140 ..for anything until they forced him 715 00:34:38,140 --> 00:34:41,100 until they forced him 716 00:34:41,100 --> 00:34:42,420 to brush his teeth. 717 00:34:42,420 --> 00:34:44,460 Sitting in the centre of the room. 718 00:34:44,460 --> 00:34:46,220 No! You have five seconds. 719 00:34:46,220 --> 00:34:46,460 No! Five... 720 00:34:46,460 --> 00:34:47,420 Five... 721 00:34:47,420 --> 00:34:51,380 (YELLS) 722 00:34:52,340 --> 00:34:54,660 To the centre of the room or we'll move you. 723 00:34:54,660 --> 00:34:54,900 To the centre of the room Five, four, three, two, one. 724 00:34:54,900 --> 00:34:58,140 Five, four, three, two, one. 725 00:34:58,140 --> 00:35:00,700 (SCREAMS) 726 00:35:00,700 --> 00:35:04,580 (CRIES) 727 00:35:04,580 --> 00:35:07,940 They would just repeat over and over 728 00:35:07,940 --> 00:35:11,900 to "Move into the centre of the room or we will move you." 729 00:35:11,900 --> 00:35:13,260 And if he didn't move, 730 00:35:13,260 --> 00:35:16,460 they would physically move him 731 00:35:16,460 --> 00:35:20,100 even if he was shouting and screaming at them to stop. 732 00:35:20,100 --> 00:35:20,340 even if he was shouting And they wouldn't stop. 733 00:35:20,340 --> 00:35:22,020 And they wouldn't stop. 734 00:35:22,980 --> 00:35:24,060 (GRUNTS) 735 00:35:30,340 --> 00:35:33,300 Jadon, you're not keeping your calm and your cool, buddy. 736 00:35:33,300 --> 00:35:34,700 Jadon, move into the centre of the room 737 00:35:34,700 --> 00:35:34,940 Jadon, move into the centre or the teacher will move you. 738 00:35:34,940 --> 00:35:36,180 or the teacher will move you. 739 00:35:36,180 --> 00:35:39,740 Five, four, three, two, one. 740 00:35:39,740 --> 00:35:43,660 Here the therapists want Jadon to sit on a cushion. 741 00:35:43,660 --> 00:35:48,060 (YELLS) 742 00:35:48,060 --> 00:35:50,260 (YELLS INDISTINCTLY) 743 00:35:50,260 --> 00:35:51,780 Centre of the room. 744 00:35:52,740 --> 00:35:55,140 It was so disgraceful. 745 00:35:56,340 --> 00:35:59,660 And so horrific and so traumatic. 746 00:35:59,660 --> 00:35:59,860 And so horrific and so traumatic. And so wrong. 747 00:35:59,860 --> 00:36:01,260 And so wrong. 748 00:36:02,780 --> 00:36:05,060 Like, through the entire program, 749 00:36:05,060 --> 00:36:08,140 I would go to them with my concerns 750 00:36:08,140 --> 00:36:11,700 and I would end up in the CEO's office 751 00:36:11,700 --> 00:36:14,540 being convinced that I was the one that was wrong. 752 00:36:14,540 --> 00:36:19,100 Now an insider is blowing the whistle publicly 753 00:36:19,100 --> 00:36:22,780 on what happened at Irabina Autism Services. 754 00:36:22,780 --> 00:36:27,220 Melissa Webster was the Chief Operating Officer. 755 00:36:27,220 --> 00:36:30,060 Why have you decided to speak out today? 756 00:36:30,060 --> 00:36:30,340 I'm doing it because I'm doing it for the human rights Why have you decided to speak out today? 757 00:36:30,340 --> 00:36:32,660 I'm doing it because I'm doing it for the human rights 758 00:36:32,660 --> 00:36:35,380 of the people that deserve a great life. 759 00:36:35,380 --> 00:36:35,620 of the people that deserve a great life. What came to light was a lot of... 760 00:36:35,620 --> 00:36:39,380 What came to light was a lot of... 761 00:36:40,340 --> 00:36:42,940 ..very abusive practice. 762 00:36:42,940 --> 00:36:45,740 Very abusive practice on children. 763 00:36:45,740 --> 00:36:49,180 There were children that were... 764 00:36:49,180 --> 00:36:50,740 ..held down, 765 00:36:50,740 --> 00:36:53,860 children that were... 766 00:36:53,860 --> 00:36:57,100 ..secluded and restrained really significantly. 767 00:36:57,100 --> 00:36:57,340 ..secluded and restrained It wasn't until later 768 00:36:57,340 --> 00:36:59,420 It wasn't until later 769 00:36:59,420 --> 00:37:01,300 that I found out that... 770 00:37:01,300 --> 00:37:03,700 ..were not actually... 771 00:37:05,940 --> 00:37:13,540 ..practices that are legal here in Australia or Victoria. 772 00:37:13,540 --> 00:37:13,780 Hi, everyone. ..practices that are legal here in Australia or Victoria. 773 00:37:13,780 --> 00:37:15,060 Hi, everyone. 774 00:37:15,060 --> 00:37:17,540 With so much happening in our world at the moment, 775 00:37:17,540 --> 00:37:21,500 I wanted to send this out to give you all something to smile about. 776 00:37:21,500 --> 00:37:21,740 I wanted to send this out to give you all something to smile about. The CEO at the time, Debra Goldfinch, 777 00:37:21,740 --> 00:37:24,700 The CEO at the time, Debra Goldfinch, 778 00:37:24,700 --> 00:37:27,380 established the program at Irabina. 779 00:37:27,380 --> 00:37:31,580 Her daughter, who had no previous experience in disability, 780 00:37:31,580 --> 00:37:31,820 Her daughter, who had no previous managed the program 781 00:37:31,820 --> 00:37:33,060 managed the program 782 00:37:33,060 --> 00:37:36,820 and was responsible for the children's human rights. 783 00:37:42,260 --> 00:37:46,180 Irabina's treatment involved physical restraints 784 00:37:46,180 --> 00:37:49,820 and by law had to be approved by a state office 785 00:37:49,820 --> 00:37:53,340 called the Victorian Senior Practitioner. 786 00:37:53,340 --> 00:37:58,220 That office told Irabina it couldn't use some of those restraints 787 00:37:58,220 --> 00:38:01,420 because they're prohibited in Australia. 788 00:38:01,420 --> 00:38:01,660 because they're prohibited Irabina went ahead anyway. 789 00:38:01,660 --> 00:38:04,500 Irabina went ahead anyway. 790 00:38:07,900 --> 00:38:11,540 There were so many people that came forward afterwards. 791 00:38:11,540 --> 00:38:14,180 They raised concerns. They raised complaints. 792 00:38:14,180 --> 00:38:16,140 They said they didn't agree with the program, 793 00:38:16,140 --> 00:38:18,020 they didn't agree with what they were seeing. 794 00:38:18,020 --> 00:38:20,900 But they didn't feel heard. 795 00:38:20,900 --> 00:38:22,780 Some other people have told us 796 00:38:22,780 --> 00:38:25,540 that they weren't allowed in that section 797 00:38:25,540 --> 00:38:25,780 that they weren't allowed where that program was happening, 798 00:38:25,780 --> 00:38:27,220 where that program was happening, 799 00:38:27,220 --> 00:38:28,500 that it was quite hidden. 800 00:38:28,500 --> 00:38:30,620 Yeah. What would you say about that? 801 00:38:30,620 --> 00:38:30,860 Yeah. It's true. It's true. 802 00:38:30,860 --> 00:38:33,100 It's true. It's true. 803 00:38:33,100 --> 00:38:38,180 After months of research and contact with former workers from Irabina, 804 00:38:38,180 --> 00:38:40,820 we've now obtained CCTV footage 805 00:38:40,820 --> 00:38:41,060 we've now obtained CCTV footage from inside the Severe Behaviour program. 806 00:38:41,060 --> 00:38:43,820 from inside the Severe Behaviour program. 807 00:38:43,820 --> 00:38:44,060 from inside We now know children had treatment 808 00:38:44,060 --> 00:38:46,500 We now know children had treatment 809 00:38:46,500 --> 00:38:49,780 in one of six small, windowless rooms 810 00:38:49,780 --> 00:38:52,300 with one-way mirrors for observation. 811 00:38:52,300 --> 00:38:56,540 18 children, including Jadon Chard, attended. 812 00:38:56,540 --> 00:38:56,780 18 children, including Jadon Chard, There were both boys and girls. 813 00:38:56,780 --> 00:38:59,100 There were both boys and girls. 814 00:38:59,100 --> 00:39:03,740 And we're told most of them were aged between 10 and 14. 815 00:39:05,420 --> 00:39:07,340 In this video 816 00:39:07,340 --> 00:39:09,140 staff in protective gear 817 00:39:09,140 --> 00:39:11,540 have been called to one of the padded rooms 818 00:39:11,540 --> 00:39:14,860 where children spent hours each day. 819 00:39:14,860 --> 00:39:18,940 When there was a so-called uncontrolled behaviour 820 00:39:18,940 --> 00:39:23,140 workers called each other for backup on walkie-talkies. 821 00:39:23,140 --> 00:39:23,380 workers called each other A warning - 822 00:39:23,380 --> 00:39:24,620 A warning - 823 00:39:24,620 --> 00:39:24,860 what you're about to see A warning - 824 00:39:24,860 --> 00:39:28,260 what you're about to see is extremely disturbing. 825 00:39:30,660 --> 00:39:32,300 You two got legs. 826 00:39:32,300 --> 00:39:34,020 (WORKER SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) 827 00:39:39,980 --> 00:39:46,860 This boy has a severe intellectual disability, autism and is nonverbal. 828 00:39:46,860 --> 00:39:47,100 This boy has a severe intellectual (BOY MOANS) 829 00:39:47,100 --> 00:39:51,620 (BOY MOANS) 830 00:39:51,620 --> 00:39:54,940 (YELLS) 831 00:39:54,940 --> 00:39:57,820 (CRIES) 832 00:40:07,580 --> 00:40:10,940 The boy is told he must be calm for five minutes 833 00:40:10,940 --> 00:40:13,540 and then he will get some pain medication. 834 00:40:17,540 --> 00:40:20,300 He lasts 3.5 minutes. 835 00:40:20,300 --> 00:40:24,460 (BOY MOANS) 836 00:40:28,420 --> 00:40:31,420 (SCREAMS) 837 00:40:33,460 --> 00:40:38,140 (SCREAMING CONTINUES) 838 00:40:39,340 --> 00:40:44,780 Six workers keep him pinned to the ground for just over seven minutes. 839 00:40:46,420 --> 00:40:50,660 (SCREAMS) 840 00:40:52,500 --> 00:40:55,660 (WORKERS SPEAK INDISTINCTLY) 841 00:40:58,860 --> 00:41:00,780 (WORKERS SPEAK INDISTINCTLY) 842 00:41:17,260 --> 00:41:19,460 When he's finally released, 843 00:41:19,460 --> 00:41:22,700 he's encouraged to high five one of them. 844 00:41:22,700 --> 00:41:22,940 Top job! he's encouraged to high five one of them. 845 00:41:22,940 --> 00:41:24,220 Top job! 846 00:41:24,220 --> 00:41:25,860 I love it. 847 00:41:27,700 --> 00:41:29,460 (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) 848 00:41:30,580 --> 00:41:32,780 (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) 849 00:41:32,780 --> 00:41:36,060 I think that the whole environment 850 00:41:36,060 --> 00:41:38,260 is, you know, 851 00:41:38,260 --> 00:41:40,980 to me, seems to be enormously intimidating. 852 00:41:40,980 --> 00:41:41,220 to me, seems to be To me, it's just this... 853 00:41:41,220 --> 00:41:44,140 To me, it's just this... 854 00:41:44,140 --> 00:41:44,380 ..the whole scenario To me, it's just this... 855 00:41:44,380 --> 00:41:46,780 ..the whole scenario was unacceptable. 856 00:41:47,740 --> 00:41:51,580 (BOY MOANS) 857 00:41:53,300 --> 00:41:54,780 Our researcher, Jess, 858 00:41:54,780 --> 00:41:58,420 asked for an expert opinion from Dr Frank Lambrick, 859 00:41:58,420 --> 00:42:01,580 the former Victorian Senior Practitioner. 860 00:42:01,580 --> 00:42:01,820 the former (BOY SCREAMS) 861 00:42:01,820 --> 00:42:06,100 (BOY SCREAMS) 862 00:42:06,100 --> 00:42:08,780 Well, it's a prone restraint. 863 00:42:08,780 --> 00:42:11,340 It's a prohibited restraint. 864 00:42:11,340 --> 00:42:11,540 There's absolutely no situation It's a prohibited restraint. 865 00:42:11,540 --> 00:42:17,620 There's absolutely no situation 866 00:42:17,620 --> 00:42:17,860 There's absolutely no situation where a restraint like that can be used. 867 00:42:17,860 --> 00:42:21,300 where a restraint like that can be used. 868 00:42:21,300 --> 00:42:25,580 Prone restraint is probably the most riskiest 869 00:42:25,580 --> 00:42:27,900 of the prohibited restraints, if I could say that, 870 00:42:27,900 --> 00:42:28,140 of the prohibited restraints, because it involves 871 00:42:28,140 --> 00:42:31,500 because it involves 872 00:42:31,500 --> 00:42:36,300 forcing a person to lie face down, 873 00:42:36,300 --> 00:42:36,540 therefore putting pressure forcing a person to lie face down, 874 00:42:36,540 --> 00:42:41,700 therefore putting pressure on internal organs, etcetera. 875 00:42:41,700 --> 00:42:45,740 I'm finding it very hard to watch this, actually. 876 00:42:45,740 --> 00:42:45,980 I'm finding it It's not lawful. 877 00:42:45,980 --> 00:42:48,980 It's not lawful. 878 00:42:48,980 --> 00:42:51,380 This really is abuse. 879 00:42:52,500 --> 00:42:55,700 An independent review from 2021 880 00:42:55,700 --> 00:42:57,700 and obtained by Four Corners 881 00:42:57,700 --> 00:43:01,420 found that using this prohibited restraint 882 00:43:01,420 --> 00:43:05,420 "with an intellectually disabled child when the child was in crisis 883 00:43:05,420 --> 00:43:09,260 "is inconsistent with the right to humane treatment" 884 00:43:09,260 --> 00:43:12,540 under Victoria's Human Rights Charter. 885 00:43:14,140 --> 00:43:18,500 The review was told other types of prohibited restraints 886 00:43:18,500 --> 00:43:22,580 were also used on other children at Irabina. 887 00:43:25,580 --> 00:43:30,460 What's your understanding of what happened at Irabina Autism Services? 888 00:43:30,460 --> 00:43:30,740 They were a service provider that particularly used, um... What's your understanding of what happened at Irabina Autism Services? 889 00:43:30,740 --> 00:43:35,100 They were a service provider that particularly used, um... 890 00:43:35,100 --> 00:43:36,500 ..quite, um... 891 00:43:36,500 --> 00:43:39,380 ..particularly provided supports 892 00:43:39,380 --> 00:43:39,580 ..particularly provided supports to participants with really complex 893 00:43:39,580 --> 00:43:42,340 to participants with really complex 894 00:43:42,340 --> 00:43:42,580 and often quite challenging to participants with really complex 895 00:43:42,580 --> 00:43:45,580 and often quite challenging behaviours, 896 00:43:45,580 --> 00:43:49,180 and, so, they had a particular approach. 897 00:43:49,180 --> 00:43:52,020 That approach had been in place for some time. 898 00:43:52,020 --> 00:43:55,260 And when we became aware of what was happening there 899 00:43:55,260 --> 00:43:56,500 in terms of their approach, 900 00:43:56,500 --> 00:43:58,180 there was immediate action taken 901 00:43:58,180 --> 00:44:02,740 to cease a number of elements of their practice. 902 00:44:02,740 --> 00:44:05,220 Did you or anybody from the commission 903 00:44:05,220 --> 00:44:08,060 see the footage of children being restrained? 904 00:44:08,060 --> 00:44:12,140 I've seen some of the footage, and it is deeply concerning. 905 00:44:12,140 --> 00:44:15,380 And that's why staff took action immediately 906 00:44:15,380 --> 00:44:19,940 to make sure that participants were safe and the practice ceased. 907 00:44:19,940 --> 00:44:22,340 At the time of this interview 908 00:44:22,340 --> 00:44:25,540 Four Corners had not seen the footage. 909 00:44:25,540 --> 00:44:25,780 Four Corners I've been told that it shows 910 00:44:25,780 --> 00:44:27,620 I've been told that it shows 911 00:44:27,620 --> 00:44:32,900 therapists wearing gridiron-style gear holding children down. 912 00:44:32,900 --> 00:44:35,140 As I've said, it's deeply concerning 913 00:44:35,140 --> 00:44:37,660 and not something that should be tolerated. 914 00:44:39,820 --> 00:44:41,580 The NDIS Commission 915 00:44:41,580 --> 00:44:41,820 says it closed down The NDIS Commission 916 00:44:41,820 --> 00:44:46,220 says it closed down the Severe Behaviour program in 2021. 917 00:44:46,220 --> 00:44:49,420 It ordered staff to undertake training, 918 00:44:49,420 --> 00:44:53,020 but didn't fine or deregister Irabina. 919 00:44:53,980 --> 00:44:56,580 We've seen so many families come through our centre... 920 00:44:56,580 --> 00:44:56,820 We've seen so many families It also didn't take any action 921 00:44:56,820 --> 00:44:58,740 It also didn't take any action 922 00:44:58,740 --> 00:45:02,860 against the then CEO, Debra Goldfinch, or her daughter. 923 00:45:02,860 --> 00:45:08,220 Debra Goldfinch now heads another autism service for young children. 924 00:45:08,220 --> 00:45:10,700 It's actually going to be bigger, brighter, shinier. 925 00:45:10,700 --> 00:45:10,940 It's actually going The regulation says 926 00:45:10,940 --> 00:45:12,460 The regulation says 927 00:45:12,460 --> 00:45:16,140 you'll apply the strongest actions to the most serious issues and breaches. 928 00:45:16,140 --> 00:45:16,380 you'll apply the strongest actions to This is a human-rights breach, 929 00:45:16,380 --> 00:45:18,020 This is a human-rights breach, 930 00:45:18,020 --> 00:45:18,260 and you decided This is a human-rights breach, 931 00:45:18,260 --> 00:45:21,060 and you decided that they didn't deserve a fine, 932 00:45:21,060 --> 00:45:24,540 that you would just create some compliance action. 933 00:45:24,540 --> 00:45:27,180 Why not take more serious action against them? 934 00:45:27,180 --> 00:45:30,100 There are a range of actions that we can take with any provider, 935 00:45:30,100 --> 00:45:32,340 and shutting down that particular service 936 00:45:32,340 --> 00:45:35,220 and ensuring that that program was not operating anymore 937 00:45:35,220 --> 00:45:38,820 was the decision that the commission made at that time. 938 00:45:39,780 --> 00:45:44,380 Ms Goldfinch and her daughter told Four Corners through their lawyers 939 00:45:44,380 --> 00:45:48,700 that "they were employed in non-clinical roles" at Irabina. 940 00:45:48,700 --> 00:45:48,940 that "they were employed They added that: 941 00:45:48,940 --> 00:45:51,300 They added that: 942 00:46:03,540 --> 00:46:05,740 The NDIS, they should have known. 943 00:46:05,740 --> 00:46:07,980 They should never have allowed it to happen. 944 00:46:07,980 --> 00:46:11,980 Yet it went for two and a half years. 945 00:46:12,940 --> 00:46:17,740 I'm just astounded that in Australia something like this could happen. 946 00:46:17,740 --> 00:46:22,020 It was Melissa Webster who alerted the NDIS Commission 947 00:46:22,020 --> 00:46:25,380 to the prohibited practices at Irabina. 948 00:46:25,380 --> 00:46:25,620 to the prohibited practices If you hadn't blown the whistle, 949 00:46:25,620 --> 00:46:27,460 If you hadn't blown the whistle, 950 00:46:27,460 --> 00:46:27,700 do you think this program If you hadn't blown the whistle, 951 00:46:27,700 --> 00:46:31,460 do you think this program would be continuing right now? 952 00:46:31,460 --> 00:46:31,700 do you think this program I do think that if 953 00:46:31,700 --> 00:46:33,540 I do think that if 954 00:46:33,540 --> 00:46:33,740 I hadn't have raised these concerns I do think that if 955 00:46:33,740 --> 00:46:35,980 I hadn't have raised these concerns 956 00:46:35,980 --> 00:46:37,460 and hadn't have... 957 00:46:37,460 --> 00:46:37,660 and hadn't have... ..done the investigation 958 00:46:37,660 --> 00:46:39,500 ..done the investigation 959 00:46:39,500 --> 00:46:43,460 and gone out and asked for an external investigation 960 00:46:43,460 --> 00:46:47,780 and reached out to all of the regulators, 961 00:46:47,780 --> 00:46:51,380 I think that probably would have done. 962 00:46:51,380 --> 00:46:53,220 It did for so long. 963 00:46:54,540 --> 00:46:56,140 In a statement 964 00:46:56,140 --> 00:46:58,260 Irabina said that its intention 965 00:46:58,260 --> 00:46:58,500 Irabina said that its intention the highest level of care" 966 00:46:58,500 --> 00:47:02,220 "was always to provide the highest level of care" 967 00:47:02,220 --> 00:47:02,460 and it "truly regrets the highest level of care" 968 00:47:02,460 --> 00:47:04,220 and it "truly regrets 969 00:47:04,220 --> 00:47:06,900 "if it did not meet this objective 970 00:47:06,900 --> 00:47:10,020 "and any distress has been caused." 971 00:47:11,940 --> 00:47:16,460 RECORDING: Welcome to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. 972 00:47:17,980 --> 00:47:21,900 We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls. 973 00:47:23,900 --> 00:47:25,900 Petra Chard has had to resort 974 00:47:25,900 --> 00:47:30,180 to lodging Freedom of Information requests with the NDIS Commission 975 00:47:30,180 --> 00:47:30,420 to lodging Freedom of Information because she and other families 976 00:47:30,420 --> 00:47:31,980 because she and other families 977 00:47:31,980 --> 00:47:32,220 are still in the dark because she and other families 978 00:47:32,220 --> 00:47:36,220 are still in the dark about what happened at Irabina. 979 00:47:38,380 --> 00:47:39,460 Good boy. 980 00:47:40,420 --> 00:47:42,220 Ryder, sit. Sit. 981 00:47:42,220 --> 00:47:43,940 Good boy! 982 00:47:45,180 --> 00:47:47,740 PETRA CHARD: You and Ryder used to do slides together 983 00:47:47,740 --> 00:47:48,980 when you were younger. 984 00:47:48,980 --> 00:47:51,380 Come on. Come on, Ryder. Round here. 985 00:47:53,860 --> 00:47:55,500 Come on. This way. 986 00:47:55,500 --> 00:47:57,300 They have a duty of care 987 00:47:57,300 --> 00:48:02,180 to all the children that went through that program. 988 00:48:03,700 --> 00:48:06,220 And they still haven't investigated. 989 00:48:06,220 --> 00:48:06,460 And the families And they still haven't investigated. 990 00:48:06,460 --> 00:48:08,820 And the families and the children that were there 991 00:48:08,820 --> 00:48:12,380 have never been informed of what's happened. 992 00:48:14,020 --> 00:48:16,380 NDIS Minister Bill Shorten 993 00:48:16,380 --> 00:48:16,620 declined our invitation NDIS Minister Bill Shorten 994 00:48:16,620 --> 00:48:19,540 declined our invitation for an interview. 995 00:48:19,540 --> 00:48:19,820 He didn't answer specific questions about Irabina, but said: declined our invitation for an interview. 996 00:48:19,820 --> 00:48:25,020 He didn't answer specific questions about Irabina, but said: 997 00:48:30,580 --> 00:48:32,940 He added that his: 998 00:48:40,220 --> 00:48:44,500 Ashlee, go and get the blue pipe for me so I can... 999 00:48:44,500 --> 00:48:46,980 Over here. The blue one. 1000 00:48:48,220 --> 00:48:52,140 Findings from two national inquiries into disability 1001 00:48:52,140 --> 00:48:52,380 Findings from two national are about to be released - 1002 00:48:52,380 --> 00:48:53,740 are about to be released - 1003 00:48:53,740 --> 00:48:58,380 the Royal Commission and the year-long review into the NDIS. 1004 00:48:58,380 --> 00:49:01,660 We'll go to the shops on the way back to your house. 1005 00:49:01,660 --> 00:49:03,620 Our investigation shows 1006 00:49:03,620 --> 00:49:08,300 that, despite billions of dollars being pumped into the system, 1007 00:49:08,300 --> 00:49:12,500 people with disabilities have been abused in Australia 1008 00:49:12,500 --> 00:49:15,820 and no-one is paying the price for that. 1009 00:49:19,700 --> 00:49:23,300 The Quality and Safeguards Commission 1010 00:49:23,300 --> 00:49:29,140 must be responsive to allegations of abuse and neglect. 1011 00:49:29,140 --> 00:49:29,380 must be responsive It's unacceptable 1012 00:49:29,380 --> 00:49:31,220 It's unacceptable 1013 00:49:31,220 --> 00:49:34,780 if complaints are being received 1014 00:49:34,780 --> 00:49:39,820 that are not resulting in appropriate action being taken. 1015 00:49:40,780 --> 00:49:44,860 They have to hold the practitioners accountable. 1016 00:49:44,860 --> 00:49:47,100 They have to hold the CEO accountable. 1017 00:49:47,100 --> 00:49:49,460 They have to hold the board of directors accountable. 1018 00:49:49,460 --> 00:49:53,820 And then they have to show the community 1019 00:49:53,820 --> 00:49:56,980 that they've held everyone accountable 1020 00:49:56,980 --> 00:49:59,220 so that other providers 1021 00:49:59,220 --> 00:50:02,860 see that when you don't do what's right, 1022 00:50:02,860 --> 00:50:08,140 when you abuse our most vulnerable in the community, 1023 00:50:08,140 --> 00:50:08,380 when you abuse our most vulnerable that you don't get away with it. 1024 00:50:08,380 --> 00:50:10,220 that you don't get away with it. 1025 00:50:16,980 --> 00:50:18,980 Captions by Red Bee Media 1026 00:50:18,980 --> 00:50:21,180 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation