Report fraud against the department

At the Attorney-General’s Department we are committed to minimising the risk, incidence and impact of fraud committed against the department.

We encourage full and appropriate disclosure and will promptly and fairly assess all incidents of suspected fraud involving this department and its current or former staff.

Tip-offs are a highly effective way to detect fraud. If you suspect someone may be committing fraud against us, you should report it.

We need to know about fraud committed:

• against the Attorney-General’s Department
• by our department or any current or former staff.

We are unable to investigate fraud allegations related to other Australian Government departments. If you suspect someone may be committing fraud against another government department, find out what to do at How to report fraud.

The Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre within this department is responsible for the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework.

What counts as fraud

The Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework defines fraud as:

'Dishonestly obtaining (including attempting to obtain) a gain or benefit, or causing a loss or risk of loss, by deception or other means. The conduct does not need to represent a breach of criminal law.'

Benefit or gain is not restricted to tangible items, such as monetary or material benefits. It may also include intangible benefits, including:

• unauthorised access to, or disclosure of, sensitive or classified information for personal gain or benefit of a third party
• theft, or misuse, of departmental resources.

What information to provide

The more information you can provide in the initial report, the more you will assist us to look into the matter.

You are encouraged to provide:

• details about the person or people involved, such as names, phone numbers and addresses
• information about actions or activities you think are fraudulent, including how, when and where they occurred
• your name and at least one method of contact.

You are under no obligation to provide personal details when providing information; however, if you provide your name and contact number, it will allow us to contact you for more information if required.

• if you choose to remain anonymous, we would appreciate you providing as much information as you can, as we will not be able to contact you if we require more information.

Your privacy and the security of your personal information is important to us, and is protected by law. We only share your information with other parties where you have agreed, or where the law allows or requires it. For more information, please review our privacy policy.

How to report fraud

If you, or someone else, are in danger, stop and call 000 now.

There are several different bodies where you can report incidents of fraud or suspected fraud in Australia.

Report fraud against the Attorney-General's Department

Report fraud committed by a current or former staff member of the Attorney-General's Department

Report fraud committed against you

Report fraud committed against an individual or a private business

Report fraud committed against the Australian Government

Report serious or systemic corruption

Look after your mental health by reaching out to Lifeline for 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14.

If you have concerns about your identity or related cyber security you can contact IDCARE (1800 595 160). IDCARE is a national identity and cyber support service that can help you reduce harm from identity compromise.

What happens next

We take allegations of fraud seriously. We will assess all reports or allegations of fraud within the scope of our department’s remit.

We may refer any matters of serious or complex fraud for investigation by the Australian Federal Police, or appropriate State or Territory law enforcement agency.

We will refer matters of serious or systemic corruption to the National Anti Corruption Commission.

We will acknowledge receipt of your report; however, due to our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988, we are not permitted to provide any updates or any information about a report or the outcome of a report.

Privacy statement

We respect the confidentiality of your personal information and will use it only in accordance with the law. If you consider that we have breached our privacy policy, you have the right to complain to the Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992.

Alternatively, you can contact our department's privacy officer at privacy@ag.gov.au.