If you suspect fraudulent activity, you should report it to us.
We are committed to preventing, detecting and investigating fraud and pursuing appropriate remedies (including prosecution) and recovery actions, in accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Framework.
Our fraud control arrangements are designed to protect public money and property and to protect our integrity, security and reputation. The arrangements are integrated into our risk management framework.
What is fraud?
Fraud is '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 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.
Who should report fraud?
Everyone working for us has a responsibility to prevent, detect and report any suspected fraud incidents against us. This includes staff, contractors and service providers. Suspected fraud incidents can be reported through the channels outlined below.
Consultants, clients and members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any suspected fraud incidents against us.
How to report fraud
If you wish to report fraud related to our business, contact the Director of Executive Support and People.
- Email us ExecutiveCoordination@aiatsis.gov.au
Write to us:
Director of Executive Support and People
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
GPO Box 553
Canberra ACT 2601
Fraud that does not relate to our department can be reported to other authorities.
What Information should I provide?
You don’t have to tell us your name or give us any other contact details. The more information and specific details you can provide about your allegation the easier it will be for us to take action. It helps us if you can 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?
We take all allegations of fraud seriously. Your information will be assessed and, where appropriate, investigated. The more information you can provide at the early stages, the better able we are to look into the matter.
We will try to respond to your allegations. Sometimes we can’t tell you what we’re doing about an allegation because of privacy restrictions or the integrity of any investigation. In particular, please note that if your allegation involves another individual, we might not be able to give you any information about the conduct or outcome of the investigation due to our 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.
We keep your identity confidential. We will not disclose your personal information without your consent, unless authorised or required by law.