A conman who exploited the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for his own extravagant lifestyle has faced court, pleading guilty to 19 counts of deception after falsely claiming over $400,000 in NDIS funds.
Paul Kevan Tilbury, 58, ran a company called People Come First, a name that now appears deeply ironic given his fraudulent activities. Over two years, he misappropriated funds intended for his vulnerable clients, using the money to fund an opulent lifestyle rather than providing essential care services.
Tilbury siphoned over $410,000 into his own accounts, paying himself a fortnightly salary of nearly $10,000. He spent lavishly on luxury items, including $30,000 on clothing, $11,500 on tobacco, $10,000 on jewellery, and $7,000 on alcohol.
His expenditures also included extravagant meals, a home bar worth $5,000 (with an additional $3,500 for installation), and even $4,000 worth of flowers.
In addition to defrauding the NDIS, Tilbury falsely claimed to be a doctor, submitting provider applications under the name ‘Dr Paul Tilbury’ despite having no medical qualifications. This deception allowed him to gain credibility and access further funds under false pretences.
Prosecutors painted Tilbury as a man driven by greed, showing little remorse for his actions. Despite his claims of attempting to repay the stolen funds, only $40,000 of the supposed $120,000 repayment was accounted for in bank records.
Judge Paul Muscat did not hold back in his criticism, noting that while Tilbury claimed to be keeping his business afloat, his spending habits told a different story. “His business was called ‘People Come First,’ but the facts suggest it should have been ‘I Come First’,” the judge remarked.
Tilbury, who was banned for life from operating as an NDIS provider in 2023, has pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, arguing that he should be allowed to remain in the community to repay his debts. However, the prosecution argues that his fraudulent behaviour warrants jail time, citing his lack of insight, remorse, and rehabilitation.
The case highlights broader concerns about fraudulent activity within the NDIS. Authorities estimate that over $500 million has been wrongfully claimed by illegitimate providers, prompting increased scrutiny and reforms aimed at tightening compliance measures within the system.
Tilbury is set to be sentenced in March, with his fate resting in the hands of the court. His case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of fraud on the integrity of the NDIS and the vulnerable people it is designed to support.
