Gagebrook man jailed for Centrelink fraud

Tasmania Media Release
Thursday, 1 July 2010

A Gagebrook man with a history of welfare fraud who collected $18,500 in Centrelink payments he wasn’t entitled to has been jailed this week.

David Wayne Jacques, 40, pleaded guilty in the Hobart Magistrates Court to failing to correctly declare his income between June 2007 and April 2010.

The deception was initially uncovered following a tip off from a member of the public and a data match with the Australian Tax Office identified further debt.

Mr Jacques was also found to have breached a good behaviour bond he received in March 2008 when he was convicted of similar Centrelink fraud offences.

Centrelink General Manager Hank Jongen says the public has a right to be angered by those who defraud the welfare system.

"This is effectively ripping off the tax payer and the message from this sentence is clear - if you continue to commit welfare fraud, the system will catch up with you," Mr Jongen said.

"Australia's about giving people a fair go, and our welfare system gives people who are genuinely in need a safety net when they can’t support themselves.

"All Australians have an important role to play in making sure welfare payments go to those in need by stopping people who deliberately commit fraud.

"Together, Centrelink and the Australian community can help keep the welfare system fair."

To report a suspected fraud, members of the public can call the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 1524, go to the Centrelink website, visit their local Centrelink office or write to us.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.