TL;DR: Former WEmpower support worker Scott Bone, 56, has appeared in Kempsey Local Court facing three counts of aggravated sexual touching involving two women with cognitive impairments in a Macleay Valley SIL home. The provider has terminated his employment, and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is investigating.
Overview of the Charges and Legal Proceedings in Kempsey
In the northern New South Wales region, the disability services sector is facing intense scrutiny following serious allegations against a former support worker. Scott Bone, aged 56, has officially fronted the Kempsey Local Court after being hit with three counts of aggravated sexual touching. The legal proceedings commenced after the Kempsey Police Station processed the accused following his arrest on July 27 at a private residence in East Kempsey.
The court proceedings, presided over by Judge Juliana Crofts, brought to light the severity of the allegations and the profile of the accused. During the court appearance, Judge Crofts specifically noted Scott Bone's criminal history alongside the profound seriousness of the charges currently laid against him. Despite these factors, the court ruled that his bail would continue, albeit under a strict set of variations and monitored conditions. Scott Bone is required to report to the Kempsey Police Station once a week. Furthermore, the court has implemented protective legal barriers, banning Bone from approaching, threatening, stalking, or intimidating several individuals who are directly involved in the ongoing legal matter.
Scott Bone and his legal representation declined to provide comments regarding the allegations to journalists as they departed the court precinct. The legal process is slated to progress, with Bone scheduled to return to the Kempsey Local Court for his next appearance on September 23.
Detailed Allegations and Vulnerabilities of the Victims
The formal charges laid against Scott Bone detail alleged incidents occurring within a Supported Independent Living (SIL) environment located in the Macleay Valley, a region in northern New South Wales. Court documents reveal a timeline of events that spans several months, highlighting the vulnerability of the residents residing in the shared accommodation facility.
The first set of allegations concerns an incident on the evening of July 7. According to court documents, Scott Bone is accused of sexually touching a female resident at the Macleay Valley home. The documents stipulate that Bone engaged in this act while fully aware that the woman had a cognitive impairment and did not consent to the physical contact.
In addition to the July 7 incident, the prosecution has brought charges concerning a second woman living at the same Supported Independent Living address. The court documents allege that Bone sexually touched this second resident over an extended timeframe, specifically between the evening of April 1 and July 7. Similar to the first charge, the documentation details that Bone knew the second victim lived with a disability and had not given her consent to the touching.
These details emphasize the critical focus on consent and cognitive capacity within the legal framework, particularly under the classification of aggravated sexual touching charges involving individuals in care relationships.
Provider Response and the Dismissal of Scott Bone
The employer of the accused, disability services provider WEmpower, has taken immediate corporate action in response to the police investigation and subsequent charges. Following the court appearance and public disclosure of the allegations, WEmpower Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rashid Mahbub issued an official statement addressing the organization's stance and the status of the accused worker.
CEO Rashid Mahbub confirmed that Scott Bone is "no longer employed" by WEmpower, signaling a swift termination of his contract and association with the service provider. The organization has publicly sought to distance itself from the actions of the former employee while ensuring transparency regarding their cooperation with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
In his formal statement, Mahbub emphasized the provider's dedication to the safety of its clients and its alignment with investigative processes. "WEmpower will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities as required and to maintain appropriate safeguards for the people receiving our supports," the statement read. This commitment is central to the operational standards expected of providers operating within the NDIS framework, where client safety and rapid organizational response to allegations of abuse are heavily monitored.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Intervention
Given the severity of the allegations, the matter has been officially escalated to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission. The NDIS Commission operates as an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services, making its involvement a critical component of any regulatory oversight following reports of abuse or neglect by support workers.
An official spokesperson for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission released a statement addressing the Macleay Valley case. The spokesperson reiterated the core mandate of the regulatory body, stating, "the safety and wellbeing of people with disability is our highest priority." The commission’s leadership confirmed that they are actively reviewing the details surrounding the allegations and the provider's administrative actions. "We are treating these matters very seriously," the spokesperson added.
The regulatory framework dictates that registered providers must notify the NDIS Commission of reportable incidents, which include allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse. The commission’s ongoing involvement will assess whether WEmpower and its personnel adhered to all necessary quality standards, risk management protocols, and worker screening requirements during the period of Scott Bone's employment.
Safeguarding and Operational Implications for SIL Environments
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and absolute necessity of robust safeguarding mechanisms within Supported Independent Living (SIL) environments. SIL arrangements often involve high levels of daily, one-on-one interaction between support staff and residents who may have significant cognitive or physical impairments. These dynamics require strict adherence to code-of-conduct guidelines, continuous supervision, and transparent reporting structures.
For registered NDIS providers, managing risk in SIL homes involves a comprehensive approach to worker screening, incident reporting, and maintaining a culture where participants feel safe to voice concerns. When allegations of this nature surface, providers are legally and ethically obligated to cooperate fully with both the police and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to ensure a thorough investigation.
As the case against Scott Bone returns to court on September 23, the focus remains on the judicial determination of the charges and the systemic safety measures designed to protect some of the community's most vulnerable members.
Key Takeaways
- Serious Criminal Charges: Scott Bone, a 56-year-old former disability support worker, faces three counts of aggravated sexual touching involving two women with cognitive impairments in a Macleay Valley SIL home.
- Specific Legal Allegations: Court documents state that Bone allegedly touched one woman on July 7, and a second woman between April 1 and July 7, knowing they had disabilities and did not consent.
- Bail Status and Conditions: Judge Juliana Crofts allowed bail to continue under strict conditions, requiring Bone to report to Kempsey Police Station weekly and banning him from contacting several people involved.
- Provider Action: WEmpower CEO Rashid Mahbub confirmed Bone's employment has been terminated and stated the provider is cooperating fully with authorities to maintain safeguards.
- Regulatory Investigation: The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has been notified and is treating the matter with the highest level of seriousness to ensure participant safety.
- Next Court Date: The accused is scheduled to return to Kempsey Local Court on September 23.
