Disability ‘rorters’ facing strict crackdown

The Federal government will reportedly launch a crackdown on disability "rorters" falsely claiming a pension.

The stricter laws will stop up to 50,000 people claiming disability annually, saving as much as $70 million, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

Under new legislation to be introduced from January 1, anybody seeking a disability pension will have to undergo an examination by a government-appointed doctor.

There is a perception in the government that some doctors across the country are easy targets for people falsely applying for disability.

Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews said using Commonwealth-appointed doctors would ensure "consistency" among successful applicants.

"This measure is not aimed at those who may never be able to work, but rather at ­people who can work with ­independent advice and the right support," he said.

Mr Andrews said it would benefit the country to have more people off welfare.

In July he ordered a thorough review of the disability pension, after more than 800,000 people across the country were found to be claiming it.

Since the review began, more than 8,000 people have been sent to employment agencies to find a job.