Beware of ‘turnkey’ NDIS businesses: Why disability support should never be a get-rich-quick scheme
Over the weekend, reports emerged of fully registered NDIS businesses being sold online with no disability experience required. Advocates warn the trend could put participants at risk and are calling for stronger protections.
If you’ve been following the news over the weekend, you might have seen the headlines: fully registered NDIS businesses are being sold online — and the buyer doesn’t need any disability sector experience.
From Facebook Marketplace to Gumtree, ads are popping up for “turnkey” NDIS operations that come with compliance documents, paperwork, and even established client lists. Some are going for as little as $45,000.
It’s being sold as a shortcut into the NDIS market — but advocates warn it could be a shortcut to poor-quality care and participant harm.
Why this has people talking
The recent media reports have touched a nerve for many families and participants. Disability advocates say the trend highlights gaps in regulation that make it possible for inexperienced owners to take over businesses that support some of the most vulnerable Australians.
- Profit over people – “When someone buys a business purely for financial gain, it’s the participants who pay the price,” says Alex, an NDIS advocate with lived experience. “This work is about trust, relationships, and understanding complex needs — you can’t just buy that in a folder.”
- Audit loopholes – Whistleblowers claim some sellers provide scripted answers and cherry-picked reviews to get through compliance audits, leaving the real quality of service unknown.
- Oversight gaps – The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has the power to deregister inactive providers, but critics say there’s not enough follow-up to ensure new owners have the skills or intentions to deliver safe, quality support.
Why it matters to participants and families
If you rely on the NDIS, the quality and safety of your supports depend on the people running the business. When ownership changes hands — especially to someone with no sector background — participants may experience:
- Sudden staff changes
- Reduced service quality
- A loss of personal connection and trust
- Difficulty getting answers or raising concerns
What you can do right now
If you’re choosing or reviewing a provider:
- Ask about ownership history – When was the business last sold? Who owns it now?
- Check experience – What background do the owners and managers have in disability support?
- Meet the team – Don’t just rely on paperwork; speak directly with support workers and managers.
- Report early – If you notice red flags after a change in ownership, contact the NDIS Commission.
The bigger picture: Push for stronger rules
The weekend’s headlines have added weight to calls for reform, including:
- Requiring proof of sector experience before someone can buy or run an NDIS-registered business.
- Cracking down on audit coaching and “paper compliance” that hides poor practice.
- Introducing mandatory follow-up audits after ownership changes.
As Sophie, a parent of an NDIS participant, puts it:
“The NDIS is life-changing, but it only works if providers are here for the right reasons. We need rules that make sure every business puts people first.”
The bottom line
This story is in the spotlight now — and for good reason. Disability support isn’t a commodity to flip for profit. It’s about trust, relationships, and the right expertise to meet complex needs.
As these “turnkey” business sales show, participants and families must stay informed, ask questions, and speak up. Because the people behind the business matter just as much as the services they offer.