Reporting fraud
DBCDE fraud policy
The department is committed to preventing, detecting and investigating fraud and pursuing appropriate remedies (including prosecution) and recovery actions, in accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines 2011.
The department’s fraud control arrangements (which are integrated into the department’s risk management framework) are designed to protect public money and property and to protect the integrity, security and reputation of the department.
Contractors and service providers
All contractors and service providers engaged by the department have a responsibility to prevent, detect and report any suspected fraud incidents against the department as part of their normal responsibilities, in accordance with the department’s risk management framework. Suspected fraud incidents can be reported through the channels outlined below.
Consultants, clients and members of the public
Consultants engaged by the department, clients of the department and members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any suspected fraud incidents against the department through the channels outlined below. Our Client Service Charter also provides further general information for clients on what we do and the standards of service you can expect from us.
What is fraud?
Fraud against the Commonwealth of Australia is defined as:
‘Dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means’.
This definition includes (but is not limited to):
- theft
- accounting fraud (false invoices, misappropriation, etc.)
- unlawful use of, or obtaining property, equipment, material or services
- causing a loss, or avoiding and/or creating a liability
- providing false or misleading information to the Commonwealth, or failing to provide it when there is an obligation to do so
- misuse of Commonwealth assets, equipment or facilities
- making, or using false, forged or falsified documents
- wrongfully using Commonwealth information or intellectual property.
In this definition, ‘benefit’ refers both to tangible items, such as money or objects, and intangible benefits including power, status or information.
Reporting fraud
If you have knowledge of any activity that might constitute suspected fraud against the department you are encouraged to report this information.
Report fraud by telephone:
Fraud Control Officer via the department’s fraud hotline on 02 6271 1661.
Report fraud by mail:
Fraud Control Officer
DBCDE
GPO Box 2154
Canberra ACT 2601
Report fraud by email:
Email the Fraud Control Officer
What Information should I provide?
You are not required to provide your contact details, however, the more information and specific details you can provide about your allegation the easier it will be for us to take action. You are encouraged to provide the following:
- Who is involved? Include as much detail as you can such as the name of the person or organisation, date of birth, addresses and phone numbers
- What fraud do you think has occurred? Including how, when and where it occurred.
- Your contact details.
What will happen next?
The department takes all allegations of fraud seriously. Your information will be assessed and where appropriate investigated. Therefore, the more information you can provide at the early stages, the better able we are to look into the matter.
The department will endeavour to respond to your allegations. However, due to privacy restrictions and/or the integrity of any investigation, feedback may not always be provided. In particular, please note that if your allegation involves another individual, the department may not be able to give you any information about the conduct or outcome of the investigation due to the department’ s obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Privacy statement
Personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988. Any personal information collected from you when you contact us, will only be used for purposes connected to the investigation of your allegations, including contacting you if further information is required.
It is the department’s practice to keep your identity confidential. The department will not disclose your personal information without your consent, unless authorised or required by law.
