The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is investigating a Queensland disability housing provider that collapsed in March with over half a million dollars in unpaid taxes, following complaints from former residents about inadequate care and restrictive practices.
Core & Capacity Disability Support Pty Ltd, which provided accommodation and support to NDIS participants, was wound up by the Federal Court on 19 March owing $507,782.84 to the Australian Taxation Office. Former residents and staff allege the company failed to provide adequate care, imposed restrictions isolating residents from the community, did not lodge some rental bonds, and operated audio-recording cameras in its Acacia Ridge complex, raising privacy concerns.
Despite the company's collapse, NDIS participants continue to receive housing and support at the same site under new companies registered shortly after the ATO launched wind-up proceedings in November. These companies, CCDS Acacia Ridge Operations and CCDS Acacia Ridge Housing, were registered under the name of Deborah Luppino, mother of Core & Capacity's director Liam Luppino. Residents were asked to sign new agreements with Core & Capacity branding but directing payments to these new entities.
The liquidator has told creditors she intends to pursue an insolvent trading claim. Liam Luppino said the allegations were 'misguided' and he never intended to cause distress. The NDIS Commission confirmed it is 'currently looking into these matters', with complaints dating back to November 2023, though an investigation only began in February after intervention by MP Graham Perrett and Senator Larissa Waters.
Former resident Shaun Bickley, who has been raising concerns for six months, expressed frustration: 'I’m verbal, have good supports, used to work in disability advocacy, can contact MPs and reporters, and everything I did was still ignored. What chance did anyone else there have at being heard?'
