Consumer watchdog the ACCC says bedding retailer Bedshed Franchising Pty Ltd has paid $39,600 in penalties for false or misleading claims.
The ACCC alleges that Bedshed advertised on its website and Google Ads that some of its mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories were ‘NDIS approved’ and ‘NDIS permitted’.
The ACCC issued two infringement notices to the bedding retailer for these claims which the watchdog said were false or misleading.
“The NDIS does not approve any specific goods or services and to suggest otherwise is misleading and risks taking advantage of vulnerable consumers,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
“Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what’s funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products. Targeting consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage with misleading advertising is particularly concerning, and we are continuing to investigate companies making similar claims.
“These infringement notices should serve as a warning to all businesses that advertise their products or services to NDIS participants – your advertising must reflect the facts,” she said.
The ACCC put businesses on notice of its focus on problematic advertising practices targeting NDIS participants in November 2024.
In December 2023, the Australian Government established the NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce, which comprises of the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The taskforce was established to address concerns that NDIS participants were being charged more for goods and services than other consumers, and to address potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law.
If an NDIS participant thinks a business has made false or misleading statements about products or services, including whether they are endorsed or approved by the NDIS, or if they consider their consumer rights have not been met, they can make a report to the ACCC.
Further information for NDIS participants is available on the ACCC website.