Conflict of Interest Policy — your choice comes first

Conflicts can be actual, potential or perceived. Common examples include:

• A support coordinator employed by us recommending Ametz Community Care as the provider of other supports.
• Our plan management team paying invoices to services we also deliver.
• A worker suggesting supports to a participant who is a friend or family member.
• Accepting gifts, payments or commissions from other businesses in return for referrals.
• Recommending accommodation we operate while a participant is deciding where to live.

• Declare it. Staff must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict to their manager as soon as they know about it. All declarations are recorded in our conflict of interest register.
• Tell you in plain language. Where a conflict could affect you, we explain it before you make a decision — in writing where practical.
• Offer real alternatives. When we could provide a support, we also give you at least two other suitable provider options (or help you find them) so you can compare.
• No commissions or kickbacks. We do not accept or pay referral fees, commissions or inducements for choosing a provider.
• Separate advice from delivery. Support coordination and plan management advice is based on your goals and budget — never on what earns us the most.
• Step aside where needed. If a conflict cannot be managed fairly, we remove the conflicted person from the decision or refer you to an independent service.

Workers must not accept gifts, money or benefits that could influence — or appear to influence — their decisions. Small tokens of thanks (for example a card or box of chocolates) may be accepted but must be declared and recorded.

Tell us. You will never lose services or be treated differently for raising a concern. Contact our management team on 1300 040 681 or info@ametz.com.au. You can also ask a family member or advocate to raise it for you.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you can complain to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 — free, confidential, and interpreters are available.

All staff are trained on this policy at induction and refreshed each year. The conflict of interest register is reviewed by management quarterly, and this policy is reviewed annually or sooner if NDIS rules change.