Imagine discovering that your vulnerable loved one, who deserves nothing but care and respect, is being exploited like a mere bank account. This is the heartbreaking reality for Scott Brennan, whose father, Kevin, was allegedly treated with shocking financial disregard by an NDIS provider. But here's where it gets even more disturbing...
Kevin, once a lively 67-year-old who could light up any pub or backyard barbecue with his humor, now faces a drastically diminished world due to cruel illnesses. Battling early-onset dementia, the aftermath of three strokes, and a recent terminal cancer diagnosis, Kevin’s life has become a shadow of its former self. When Scott could no longer provide the necessary care, he turned to Angels Care, an NDIS-registered supported independent living facility run by Geoffrey Harrison. And this is the part most people miss...
With an annual NDIS funding allocation of $488,000, Kevin’s care was supposed to cost around $5,500 per week, according to his plan manager. However, after Angels Care rebranded as a non-NDIS registered provider, Harrison allegedly began charging nearly $10,000 weekly. Here’s where the controversy deepens: Harrison also slapped Kevin with an unexpected $25,000 bill and misused funds from his personal bank card for expenses already covered by his NDIS allocation. Scott claims Harrison overcharged his father by nearly $200,000 in just one year. When Kevin’s NDIS funds ran out, Harrison reportedly demanded an additional $43,000, threatening eviction if payment wasn’t made immediately.
But it doesn’t stop there. Former Angels Care manager Wayne reveals that it wasn’t just participants’ funds that vanished. Wayne personally spent $5,000 on wages and an additional $300 on house supplies, only to find that Harrison failed to reimburse him. Wayne eventually resigned after Harrison allegedly neglected to pay his wages and superannuation, joining a growing list of Fair Work complaints against Harrison. Here’s the real kicker: Harrison has a history of financial misconduct, including a 2022 investigation for unpaid staff entitlements in Victoria. Despite Angels Care going into administration and being permanently banned by the NDIS Commission by November last year, Harrison continues to operate under a new name, Quality Home Health Services.
When confronted by A Current Affair, Harrison denied overcharging Kevin, claiming he provides ‘six-star quality care’ and insisting his staff are paid. He even shared what he claims is an international award for being the ‘best community care innovator in the world.’ But here’s the question that lingers: If Harrison’s care is truly top-tier, why the pattern of financial disputes and regulatory bans? Kevin now resides in a different assisted home, under a provider his family trusts. Meanwhile, Scott and Wayne are determined to prevent others from falling into the same trap. ‘He treated dad like a bank account,’ Scott asserts, calling for Harrison to be held accountable and to repay the funds allegedly taken from the NDIS. ‘Australians pay their taxes, and that’s where this money comes from,’ Scott adds. ‘He’s ripping off every Australian.’
Here’s the controversial question we leave you with: Is the current regulatory system robust enough to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, or are loopholes allowing providers like Harrison to continue operating under different names? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.
