Conservative Influencer Slams NDIS Over $220k Funding for Serial Rapist
High-profile conservative commentator Big Chocky has expressed fury following Daily Mail revelations that a serial rapist deemed a high risk to women and children has been granted a substantial National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding package worth $220,000 annually. Wayne Wilmot, aged 53, was involved in the 1988 kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sydney bank teller Janine Balding and has a decades-long history of sexual violence.
Court Findings and NDIS Approval
In a recent judgment, the NSW Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Sarah McNaughton, determined that Wilmot is likely to reoffend, with offenses potentially involving forced penetrative sexual activity, coercion, violence, weapons, and victims including children. Despite this assessment, Wilmot was approved for NDIS funding until June 2026, with a plan amounting to $221,620.99 for the first year, subject to annual review.
The funding supports Wilmot's access to services such as Mates & Mentors while he is on external leave from a prison halfway house. It also provides for four hours of daily assistance to aid his social, economic, and community participation, available seven days a week.
Public Outcry and Historical Crimes
The Daily Mail's report ignited widespread online anger, with Big Chocky, real name Chris Katelaris, branding the decision as "sick and twisted" and labeling the NDIS a "scam" when abused. He acknowledged the scheme's benefits for those in genuine need but used strong language to criticize its misuse, stating, "This dog shouldn't be getting what he's getting."
Wilmot's criminal history dates back to September 1988, when he, along with four others, abducted 20-year-old Janine Balding at knifepoint from Sutherland Railway Station. She was sexually assaulted, hogtied, and drowned in a dam, with her jewelry stolen and bank card used for cash withdrawals. Wilmot received a nine-year sentence for related charges and was released on parole in 1996.
Pattern of Reoffending and Recent Breaches
Subsequent offenses include the 1997 robbery and assault of a woman in Ashfield, the 1998 sexual assault of a 19-year-old railway employee at Leightonfield Station, and an attempted kidnapping at Glenfield Station. DNA evidence later linked him to the Leightonfield attack, leading to a 12-year prison term in 2006. While incarcerated, Wilmot was convicted of sexually assaulting an inmate and committed further assaults.
Released on a supervision order in June 2024, Wilmot breached it within weeks by searching for extreme pornography, resulting in a one-year return to custody. He currently resides at the Nunyara Community Offender Support Program, a halfway house, with allowances for external leave as part of a staged community reintegration plan.
Psychological Assessments and Future Risks
Court-appointed psychologist Patrick Sheehan assessed Wilmot's risk of serious sexual offense as "high end of the risk spectrum" and emphasized that he cannot live in the community without an Extended Supervision Order, potentially requiring costly constant supervision. Sheehan noted that Wilmot denies responsibility for his crimes, including the Balding case, and shows no empathy or remorse.
Further evaluations indicate Wilmot suffers from psychopathy, with a "well above average risk" for further sexual and violent offending. A consultant neuropsychologist warned that NDIS services may not tolerate his intimidating behavior, which could lead to failed community integration and isolation.
Wilmot is scheduled for release back into the community on March 19, 2027, with ongoing NDIS support anticipated, despite the grave concerns outlined by legal and psychological experts.
