Directors of defunct NDIS firm no longer face criminal neglect charges in client's death case

The criminal neglect case against the directors of

The criminal neglect case against the directors of Integrity Care, a now-defunct National Disability Insurance Scheme provider, has been discontinued in connection with the death of their client, Ann Marie Smith.

Prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday that the charges, which alleged criminal negligence by the company's leadership, have been withdrawn. The decision marks a significant turn in a case that drew widespread public attention and prompted a review of disability care standards across Australia.

Ann Marie Smith, a 54-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, died in April 2020 at her Adelaide home. An inquest later revealed she had been largely confined to a chair, with severe neglect including malnutrition and pressure sores, and had not received adequate care despite being enrolled in the NDIS.

Integrity Care, which had been responsible for providing

Integrity Care, which had been responsible for providing her support services, faced scrutiny after the inquest found systemic failures in its operations. The directors had been charged with criminal neglect under South Australian law, but the prosecution has now decided not to proceed, citing insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

Legal experts note that while the criminal case has collapsed, civil proceedings and regulatory actions may still follow. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission previously banned the directors from providing services and cancelled the provider's registration.

The family of Ann Marie Smith has expressed disappointment at the outcome, saying they had hoped for accountability for what they called a preventable tragedy. The case continues to influence ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of disability care providers nationwide.