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Minister Bill Shorten of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has announced the designation of Michael Phelan APM as the interim acting commissioner of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Phelan, renowned for his extensive leadership in Australia’s top criminal research and intelligence agencies, will assume the position for an initial term of three months. With a history of leading the country’s premier criminal research and intelligence agencies, Mr. Phelan brings a wealth of proven expertise to spearhead the battle against unscrupulous operators and enhance safety for NDIS participants.
Minister Shorten emphasized that having an individual of Mr. Phelan’s caliber at the helm of the NDIS watchdog sends a clear message to those contemplating exploiting the Scheme and vulnerable Australians.
“Michael has a distinguished career in crime fighting, from being the former chief executive officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, to the director of the Australian Institute of Criminology. He knows how to catch criminals, fight fraud and defend the NDIS. He is the right person for this crucial job.
“I want to make sure every NDIS dollar goes to the participants. Michael Phelan APM will be an excellent acting Commissioner to help make the Scheme safer for all participants and get the Scheme back on track.”
Who is Michael Phelan?
With a notable background in combatting criminal activities and fraud, Phelan has previously served as CEO of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and as director of the Australian Institute of Criminology.
“Michael’s appointment as acting Commissioner is another line of defence in the fight against unscrupulous operators trying to take advantage of the Scheme,” Mr Shorten said.
“Participants and their families should be assured that the Government is investing in the Commission and its ability to safeguard all participants and prevent exploitation of the NDIS.”
Phelan’s appointment as the acting commissioner aligns with a time of substantial reforms within the NDIS. His extensive law enforcement experience is considered crucial for safeguarding participant well-being and supervising provider compliance.
Mr Phelan takes on the acting Commissioner role from March 12, when the current Commissioner begins a period of leave.