Australian retailer Bedshed Franchising has been fined A$39,600 ($25,425) for allegedly engaging in deceptive advertising practices.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued two infringement notices to the company, contending that Bedshed misrepresented to consumers that its products had undergone assessment under or received endorsement from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

In November 2024, the ACCC alerted businesses to its heightened scrutiny over advertising practices aimed at NDIS participants.

The ACCC's allegations against Bedshed involve statements on its website and Google Ads that labelled some of its mattresses, furniture, and bedding accessories as "NDIS approved" and "NDIS permitted".

ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb stated: “The NDIS does not approve any specific goods or services and to suggest otherwise is misleading and risks taking advantage of vulnerable consumers.

“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.”

Bedshed operates as a franchise, offering products including mattresses, bedding and furniture through an online platform and 43 physical stores in Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

11 of these stores are registered as NDIS providers.

The Australian government formed the NDIS Taskforce in December 2023. This task force is a collaborative effort involving the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

In December 2024, the ACCC initiated legal action against Ausnew Home Care Service for alleged false and misleading representations about aged care and disability products being "NDIS approved"

In March 2025, ACCC concluded its investigation into the supermarket industry, issuing 20 recommendations to enhance market competition.