Fraud against the Commonwealth is a serious matter for all Australian Government departments and agencies, and for the community.
This department is responsible for coordinating fraud control policy.
We are responsible for:
- the administration of the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines
- promoting the use of risk management techniques within Australian Government departments and agencies
- promoting best practice in fraud control, including the development of fraud standards
- providing advice on fraud control to the Australian Government.
This department has no investigatory role and does not investigate fraud, except for certain instances of fraud against the department. Matters involving fraud against the Commonwealth should generally be referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Matters involving fraud against an individual should generally be referred to state or territory police.
The AFP has primary law enforcement responsibility for investigating serious or complex fraud against the Commonwealth (Commonwealth crimes). More information on Commonwealth crimes can be found on the Australian Federal Police website.
The department works closely with the AFP on fraud control issues. The AFP also administers the Australian Government Investigations Standards (AGIS) on behalf the Heads of Commonwealth Operational Law Enforcement Agencies. The AGIS establishes the minimum standards for Australian Government agencies conducting investigations.
You can report a scam to SCAMwatch. SCAMwatch is a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that provides information about how to recognise, avoid and report scams. The website also provides an option for online reporting.
Commonwealth Fraud Control Information Online has more information about fraud for both fraud experts and members of the public which includes some useful links to websites for reporting fraud.
The training.gov.au website is the official national register of information on training packages, qualifications, courses and units of competency. This database will also allow you to find registered training organisations that are approved to deliver fraud control and investigations training in your state.