2 Northern women jailed for Centrelink fraud
Tasmania Media Release
Thursday, 10 June 2010
2 Northern Tasmanian women who fraudulently collected $50 000 in Centrelink payments have been jailed this week.
Tamara Lee Rice, 32, from Legana pleaded guilty in the Launceston Magistrates Court to receiving Parenting Payment Single between 2006 and 2008, worth $28,159, while living in a relationship.
She’s been sentenced to 12 months jail, to be released after 3 months on a 2 year good behaviour bond and ordered to pay reparations of $25,491.
Also in the Launceston Magistrates Court, Robyn Delphie Wilson, 35, of Prospect pleaded guilty to receiving Parenting Payment Single, between 2006 and 2008 worth $21,997 while living in a relationship.
Ms Wilson has been jailed for 12 months, to be released after 2 months on a 2 year good behaviour bond. She has also been ordered to repay $21,997.
Authorities were alerted to Ms Wilson’s fraud by a tip off, while Ms Rice’s deception was detected as the result of a data match with the Australian Taxation Office.
Centrelink General Manager, Hank Jongen says both cases highlight the success of the Commonwealth’s investigative processes and should serve as a warning to others.
"Customers are required to tell Centrelink about changes, such as starting a relationship, getting married, taking on or leaving employment and changing address.
“We have one of the most sophisticated electronic data-matching systems in Australia, which matches customer records with external providers, such as banks and other government agencies.
“I urge anyone who suspects a person may be committing welfare fraud to contact our Tip-Off line because together Centrelink and the Australian community can help keep the welfare system fair," Mr Jongen said.
To report a suspected fraud, call the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 1524, go to the Centrelink website, visit a Centrelink office or write to us.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.