We are dedicated to preventing, detecting and responding to fraudulent and corrupt conduct in line with the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework.
Our fraud and corruption control arrangements are designed to safeguard the department's resources including money, information, reputation and property.
Definition of fraud
Fraud means dishonestly obtaining (including attempting to obtain) a gain or benefit, or causing a loss or risk of loss, by deception or other means.
Common types of fraud include:
- theft
- accounting fraud (false invoices, misappropriation, collusion with suppliers or tender rigging)
- misuse of Commonwealth credit cards
- misuse of grants and/or a failure to deliver grant-funded activities
- unlawful misuse of Commonwealth property, material or services (vehicles, fuel cards, equipment)
- providing false or misleading information to the Commonwealth
- cartel conduct
- making, or using false, forged of falsified documents
- misuse of Commonwealth information or intellectual property.
Fraud can include corrupt conduct where the conduct results in a party obtaining a benefit from or causing a loss to the Commonwealth.
Definition of corruption
Corruption means conduct of any person, including current and former staff of a Commonwealth agency, that does or could compromise the integrity, accountability or probity of public administration.
Corruption undermines integrity, public trust and the proper functioning of government processes.
In the Australian public sector context, corruption can include a range of behaviours, such as:
- bribery—obtaining, offering or soliciting secret commissions, kickbacks or gratuities
- nepotism—preferential treatment of family members
- cronyism—preferential treatment of friends
- acting (or failing to act) in the presence of an undisclosed conflict of interest
- unlawful disclosure of government information
- blackmail
- perverting the course of justice
- colluding, conspiring with, or harbouring criminals
- insider trading
- green-lighting—making official decisions that improperly favour a person or company, or disadvantage another.
Who should report fraud and corruption?
Our department maintains a zero-tolerance attitude to fraud and corruption. It is the responsibility of all staff, contractors and service providers to prevent, detect and report suspected incidents.
Consultants, clients and members of the public are also strongly encouraged to report any suspected fraud and corruption. Our Client Service Charter contains general information about what we do and the standards of service you can expect from us.
How to report fraud and corruption
If you wish to report fraud or corruption related to our business, contact our Fraud and Corruption Control team.
Email us: fraud_control@infrastructure.gov.au
Write to us:
Assistant Secretary Assurance, Integrity and Risk Branch
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
GPO Box 594
Canberra ACT 2601
Fraud and corrupt conduct unrelated to our department can be reported to other authorities.
What information should I provide in a report?
Please provide, at minimum, the following information when making a report of fraud or corruption to us:
- your name and contact details
- the name and details of the person or company involved
- all details related to the offence
- details of any other witnesses to the offence.
You may also report to us anonymously. The more information you provide us as part of your report, the better placed we will be to undertake enquiries and respond to your allegation.
What will happen next?
We take all allegations of fraud and corruption seriously. Your information will be assessed and, where appropriate, investigated by our qualified fraud and corruption investigations team.
We will respond to you with a receipt of your report and may request additional information to enable us to undertake our enquiries. Generally, we do not communicate the progress or outcomes of ongoing or closed fraud and corruption investigations.
Privacy statement
Personal information is protected by law, in line with the Privacy Act 1988.
We will keep your identity confidential and will not disclose your personal information without your consent, unless authorised or required by law.