A viral social media claim has ignited a fierce debate about the integrity of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), after a man allegedly boasted of making millions from a controversial 'side hustle'.
The Gym Conversation That Went Viral
Danny Brown, who runs the Danny Money Moves TikTok channel, told his followers he was approached by a fellow gym-goer with an astonishing story. The unnamed man claimed to have earned a staggering $6 million from the NDIS since 2016, primarily by clearing out the estates of deceased individuals.
According to Mr Brown's account, the man described the work as a 'side hustle goldmine', funded directly by the government. He allegedly detailed making $4 million of that total by reselling second-hand goods found in the properties, all under the NDIS funding umbrella. "You actually get it for free and you get paid to remove their contents - how good's that!" Mr Brown recounted the man saying.
Public Outcry and Scheme Scrutiny
Mr Brown immediately questioned the ethics of the arrangement, asking his audience: "Is that a loophole, clever business or straight-up corruption?" He contrasted the alleged windfall with the well-publicised pressures on the NDIS, noting: "Meanwhile, the NDIS budget keeps blowing out by billions, services are stretched thin, and the people who actually need support are left waiting."
The post resonated deeply with many Australians struggling to access the scheme. Comments flooded in from disheartened individuals sharing their own difficulties. One woman wrote of being a "genuine handicapped person" forced into federal court to secure funding, while another lamented budget cuts for her husband who genuinely needs support. A third commenter, claiming to be a provider, stated funds should be frozen upon a participant's death, casting doubt on the mechanics of the claim.
Doubts Cast and Official Position
However, significant scepticism was also voiced online. Critics pointed out the lack of evidence and inherent flaws in the story. One user highlighted the dubious source: "Well sources don't get much more credible than 'Some random guy at the gym came up to me...'". Others questioned the volume of work needed to amass such a sum and, crucially, the official NDIS rules.
Daily Mail Australia understands that the NDIS does not fund general estate clearances. Providers making such claims could be subject to fraud and integrity investigations. Official guidelines state that claims after a participant's death must adhere to the Bereavement Addendum of the Pricing Arrangements, which outlines specific, limited support items providers can claim.
The incident has shone an uncomfortable light on the perennial tension within large-scale government support schemes: ensuring funds reach the vulnerable while preventing exploitation. While the viral claim remains unverified, it has undoubtedly tapped into broader public concerns about the stewardship of the multi-billion dollar NDIS.
