Wongan Hills man jailed for Centrelink fraud
Western Australia Media Release
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
A Wongan Hills man who defrauded Centrelink of almost $14,000 has been jailed for six months.
Leslie Scott, 57, of Wongan Hills claimed Newstart Allowance he wasn’t entitled to between 2007 and 2009.
He appeared in the Northam Magistrate Court this week where he pleaded guilty to charges of defrauding the Commonwealth.
In handing down the sentence, the judge set a non parole period of 3 months.
Data-matching with the ATO uncovered the fraud which totalled $13,337.32.
Investigations revealed Mr Scott was employed in the manufacturing sector while in receipt of welfare payments but under declared and failed to declare earnings to Centrelink.
Centrelink General Manager Hank Jongen says this case sends a clear warning that those cheating the system will be caught and the penalties can be severe.
"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, including the ATO and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship," 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, visit the Centrelink website, visit their local Centrelink office or write to us.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.