Media Release
Riverina Centrelink fraud crack-down saves $113,000
2 February 2007
A major Centrelink fraud investigation in the NSW Riverina has resulted in 19 customers having payments cancelled or suspended following a crackdown on cash economy activity, the Minister for Human Services, Senator Ian Campbell, announced today.
Senator Campbell today praised Centrelink fraud investigators for their efforts in detecting the fraud and cracking down on those cheating the system.
“This detection of fraudulent cash economy activity is expected to save Australian taxpayers around $133,000,” Senator Campbell said.
“This is money which can be better used and better targeted to those people who really deserve it.”
Senator Campbell said Operation Sunrise was a two-day field operation initiated by Centrelink and conducted with the assistance of business owners in the Riverina harvesting industry.
“These operations send a clear message that Centrelink has the resources and the power to identify and fully investigate welfare fraud,” Senator Campbell said.
“Centrelink works hard to help people who need assistance, but equally it seeks to crack down on people cheating the system.
“Customers who deliberately provide Centrelink with false, incomplete or misleading information to get money they’re not entitled to are breaking the law.
“The Australian Government considers this a serious offence and those caught could find themselves in prison.”
Senator Campbell said welfare fraud had the potential to exist in any industry, but there were some ‘cash in hand’ businesses identified as particularly at risk - such as the harvesting industry.
“We know the majority of Centrelink customers are doing the right thing, but we want all agencies to re-double their efforts to detect those people ripping off the system,” Senator Campbell said.
Senator Campbell said the new Access Card, the replacement Medicare Card, would represent the single greatest initiative to combat welfare fraud, saving around $3 billion over a 10-year period.
Media Contact: Rhiannon Keen on (02) 6277 7200 or 0438 316 505