Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks for the question, Senator Lambie. It's an important subject. I'll address the first part of your question. My heart really does go out to those investors who have had a tough time here. These were people, as you indicated, who thought they were making an ethical investment and who, in some cases, have seen their life savings disappear. There are unfortunately some people active in this market and in other investment markets that come to mum and dad investors and give them information that simply is not true. And, in all cases, whether it's in this market or others, investors should contact ASIC if they're concerned that an investment scheme has engaged in misleading behaviour or misappropriated investor funds.

My message to mum and dad investors out there looking to invest in specialist disability accommodation is that, if someone says something that sounds like it's too good to be true, it probably is. Specialist disability accommodation investments are not government backed. Occupancy is not guaranteed. The NDIS seeks to give participants choice and control. That includes choice and control over their living arrangements. So, when the NDIS funds SDA for eligible participants, those participants can choose the accommodation that works for them in a location they want to live. Unsurprisingly, NDIS participants, like most other Australians, want to choose the housing and the service options that work for them—close to community, close to services, close to supports. So the Four Corners program is really important. I want to thank them and acknowledge the work they've done that has focused on specific providers and practices, because that's what good public interest journalism looks like.