A permanently banned National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider has been discovered still providing care for a blind and deaf wheelchair user in her own home, raising significant concerns about oversight within the $44 billion scheme.
Aluel Mawiir, formerly of Care Without Limits, was permanently barred from managing NDIS services in November 2024. Despite this, she continues to care for Sharief Hanna, a vulnerable NDIS participant, in circumstances that have alarmed disability advocates and regulators alike.
Concerns over financial and physical wellbeing
A formal complaint lodged with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission alleges that Ms Mawiir is still charging Mr Hanna’s NDIS plan, despite her ban.
The complaint highlights that Mr Hanna, unable to see, hear, or check transactions, often lacks funds for essential medications. It also claims his bank card is being used by support workers to make purchases on his behalf, without adequate oversight.
Mr Hanna has confirmed he experiences pain and lacks access to critical equipment, such as a hoist to transfer between his bed and wheelchair. Though his NDIS plan is valued at approximately $360,000 annually, he relies on a manual wheelchair he cannot operate independently.
He also reported missing out on vital physiotherapy services.
Surprisingly, Mr Hanna has defended Ms Mawiir, attributing his lack of support to the NDIS rather than his caregiver. He further suggested that racial discrimination may be at play, noting that both he and Ms Mawiir, who are of African descent, feel unfairly targeted by the scheme.
Regulatory loophole allowing continued involvement
Ms Mawiir’s permanent ban prohibits her from managing NDIS supports, funding, or services, but it does not explicitly prevent her from providing care directly. This loophole has enabled her to remain active in the sector, despite grave concerns about her suitability.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has vowed to “use the full weight of [its] regulatory powers to keep participants safe”, with potential fines of up to $330,000 for individuals and $1.6 million for companies breaching regulations.
However, the Commission has not confirmed whether it is actively investigating the allegations against Ms Mawiir.
New business ties raise further questions
Records reveal that a new entity, Panda Care Services, was recently registered to Ms Mawiir’s home address. Additionally, Kuer Pty Ltd, linked to James Kuer Anhiany, a South Sudanese-born man previously associated with Ms Mawiir, has come under scrutiny.
Ms Mawiir resigned as director of Kuer Pty Ltd in September 2024, and Mr Anhiany, who has not been accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on Mr Hanna’s care to the Herald Sun.
Ms Mawiir did not responded to attempts to reach her via phone calls, text messages, or a note left at her residence by reporters at the Herald Sun.
A troubled history in childcare and NDIS Services
Ms Mawiir’s past includes a string of regulatory issues. In 2018, her business Dombai Family Daycare lost its provider approval after authorities identified serious child safety risks and non-compliance.
She was deemed not a “fit and proper person” to work in childcare, with her operation labelled an “unacceptable risk” to children’s health and safety.
These issues followed her into the NDIS sector. When Care Without Limits was banned, the Commission pointed to severe breaches of the NDIS Code of Conduct as the basis for its decision.
