Commonwealth fraud investigations 2015–16

Public sector fraud involves dishonestly obtaining a benefit or causing a loss by deception or other means, and can be perpetrated by public servants or by members of the public or corporations. It can lead to a loss of revenue, damage to morale and long-lasting damage to trust in government services. The AIC has been conducting a Commonwealth fraud census since 2006, following on from an Attorney-General’s Department data collection established in 1995. This paper reports the findings of the most recent annual census of fraud against Commonwealth entities and the measures taken to prevent fraud. It highlights the substantial cost of fraud to the Commonwealth, particularly from external suspects targeting Commonwealth monies or resources.