Fraud policy statement
This policy provides the ALRC’s definition of fraud and our policy towards fraud control.
Fraud against the ALRC is defined as dishonestly obtaining a benefit by deception or other means.
This definition includes:
- theft;
- obtaining property, a financial advantage or any other benefit by deception;
- causing a loss, or avoiding or creating a liability by deception;
- providing false or misleading information to the ALRC, or failing to provide information where there is an obligation to do so;
- making, using or possessing forged or falsified documents;
- bribery, corruption or abuse of office;
- unlawful use of Commonwealth computers, vehicles, telephones and other property or services;
- relevant bankruptcy offences; and
- any offences of a like nature to those listed above.
The benefits referred to can be either tangible or intangible, and redound to the advantage of the staff member or any other person.
The ALRC aims to reflect best practice in identifying and controlling our fraud risks. This is to be achieved by:
- actively preventing, detecting and investigating fraud;
- referring offenders to appropriate agencies where necessary;
- seeking civil, administrative or disciplinary sanctions where appropriate;
- recovering proceeds of fraudulent activity;
- being accountable to parliament and reporting to government;
- maintaining and improving appropriate fraud control standards;
- training our employees in ethical management, privacy and fraud awareness issues; and
- ensuring any fraud control contractors have the required specialised training.
The ALRC seeks to raise awareness of fraud control among staff and foster an environment that encourages staff involvement in the strategies to prevent fraud.