From participant insight to Provider Alert: Respectful conduct online
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has released a new Provider Alert: Respectful conduct online, reminding NDIS providers and workers that obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct apply online as well as face-to-face. The alert responds to concerns about abusive, derogatory and offensive comments about people with disability being shared online and reinforces expectations around respectful conduct, privacy, dignity and participant safety.
People with disability have the right to access safe, high-quality supports and services and to be treated with dignity and respect. The NDIS Commission has received reports of providers making harmful comments about people with disability on social media, behaviour that can undermine participant trust and have a significant impact on safety and wellbeing.
The Provider Alert reminds providers and workers that respectful conduct is a requirement under the NDIS Code of Conduct and outlines obligations relating to participant privacy, online behaviour and safeguards. It also includes practical information and links to resources from the NDIS Commission, the eSafety Commissioner and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Informed by participant perspectives
The alert was developed in collaboration with a NDIS participant, whose lived experience and insights helped shape the resource. The work was informed by concerns raised through the National Disability Insurance Agency's Children, Young People and Families Reference Group regarding harmful online commentary and the impact provider behaviour can have on people with disability.
Through this engagement, the NDIS Commission heard directly about the effects that derogatory comments, disrespectful behaviour and privacy concerns can have on participant trust, wellbeing and confidence in the disability support sector. Participant perspectives are reflected throughout the alert, helping to highlight the real-world impact of provider conduct.
Regulatory action can be taken
The Provider Alert also highlights the serious consequences that can follow when provider conduct falls below expected standards.
As outlined in the alert, the NDIS Commission banned Monique Jeremiah of Diversity Models from providing supports and services to NDIS participants and revoked the registration of Mon Cheri Gifts Pty Ltd, trading as Diversity Models. The compliance action followed an investigation that identified instances of social media abuse and privacy breaches.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville said the matter demonstrated the importance of providers maintaining appropriate standards of conduct.
"Our investigations found that Monique Jeremiah's conduct did not meet the standard of someone who operates a registered NDIS provider and presented a risk to the safety of people with disability and the sustainability of the NDIS Scheme."
The Commission encourages all NDIS providers and workers to read the alert and review how their online conduct, workplace culture and privacy practices support safe, respectful and high-quality services for people with disability.
Read the Provider Alert: Quality practice | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission