Viktor
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Viktor was a support worker with an NDIS provider. When a person with a disability at another provider asked for Viktor’s help to write a complaint, Viktor agreed.
‘He had identified that he was financially being abused and asked for my help,’ Viktor told the Royal Commission.
After the person with the disability sent the complaint to their provider, the provider asked who had helped them write it. They identified Viktor. The provider then told Viktor’s employer, who fired him.
‘They considered my involvement, and criticism of [the other provider’s] billing/account management in his complaint, as unprofessional,’ said Viktor. ‘Therefore, the take‐home lesson here is simply, if you want to keep your job, you need to turn a blind‐eye to sharp practices and mild forms of illegal removal of NDIS funds from participants.’
Viktor reported the incident to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
‘They said they only act on complaints from NDIS participants and not others like myself.’
Viktor began his own practice, so he can advocate for clients without fear.
‘The reality is big providers, waving their “not for profit” flag, are more concerned about their brand name than their care for people with disabilities.’
Viktor said he doubted the Royal Commission would be able to hold the big disability service providers to account, or effect change in the sector.
‘Degrading human nature, greed and abuse will continue towards people with disabilities. That's the truth.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.