Brisbane woman jailed for Centrelink fraud
Queensland Media Release
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
A North Brisbane woman who defrauded Centrelink of more than $50,000 while also collecting wages from a charity, has been jailed for 2 years.
Robyn Kaye Newton, 53, of Beachmere collected Centrelink payments between 2003 and 2008 despite receiving a regular fortnightly income from the Endeavour Foundation.
The Brisbane District Court today sentenced her to 2 years jail, with a non parole period of 5 months after which she will serve a 2 year good behaviour bond.
The fraud, which must also be repaid, amounted to $50,379 and was detected through data matching with the Australian Tax Office.
Ms Newton pleaded guilty to receiving Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment Single and Carers Payment she wasn’t entitled to, despite receiving numerous letters from Centrelink to notify the Agency of any change in personal or financial circumstances.
Centrelink General Manager Hank Jongen says this is a strong reminder to all customers to tell Centrelink when their situation changes.
"This includes taking on work, a change in address or a change in their personal relationship. This is information that Centrelink needs to know," Mr Jongen said.
"Notifying us can prevent customers accruing a debt and avoid facing serious fraud charges.
"Data matching technology is changing all the time and Centrelink, other Government agencies and external providers such as banks are constantly updating their methods of catching those who set out to commit fraud.
"The message is clear - " those who continue to rort the system will be caught and face the possibility of lengthy jail time and of course, paying back the debt."
In 2008-09, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted 3,388 Centrelink cases for fraud with a success rate of 99%.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.