The Australian Government defines fraud as ‘dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means’.
We’re serious about preventing, detecting and dealing with fraud. This applies within our agency and in the aged care sector.
If you suspect someone may be committing fraud, you should report it. Even if you don't know for sure, we’re still interested.
Reporting suspicious behaviour
Anyone can report fraud.
We encourage you to report suspicious behaviour. Reporting doesn’t take long. You can report anonymously, and the law protects your rights.
Some behaviours may seem suspicious but aren't fraudulent. Some might be mistakes or a misunderstanding. If mistakes are made, we need to know about them to fix them.
Please provide as much information as you can. Even a small amount of information can help.
What we investigate
We’re responsible for investigating suspected fraud and corruption by:
- our staff
- activities we fund, such as services, grants and other payments.
We don’t tolerate fraud or corruption by our employees or contractors. Fraud by our staff may include:
- seeking, giving or taking bribes
- a serious conflict of interest
- manipulating recruitment, procurement or grant processes
- seeking gifts, entertainment or anything else of value from providers of goods or services
- improperly disclosing government information to benefit themselves or someone else
- corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
If you suspect our employees or contractors have acted inappropriately, you should report it.
If you’re a current or former public official, you can also make a public interest disclosure.
What we don’t investigate
Fraud by the general public
Fraud by the public can include claiming and receiving Medicare, Centreline or Child Support benefits when ineligible.
If you suspect someone of this type of fraud, you can report it to Services Australia.
Health professionals
Unethical or unsafe behaviour by health professionals may include:
- poor treatment, such as wrong or inadequate diagnosis or treatment
- not giving enough information about a diagnosis or treatment
- inappropriate behaviour, such as a sexual relationship between a doctor and a patient
- a doctor working under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
You can report this type of fraud to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Health provider fraud
We also work with the Department of Health and Aged Care. The Department investigates suspected fraud or corruption by
- their staff
- health providers
- aged care providers
- activities they fund, such as services, grants and other payments. Examples include Commonwealth-funded residential aged care and Home Care Packages. Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
You can report suspected fraud to the Department of Health by:
- phone: 1800 829 403
- online:
health provider tip-off form or
reporting suspected fraud form.
Protecting your privacy
The Privacy Act 1988 protects your personal information by law.
When we conduct fraud investigations, we collect personal information. We do this to prevent, detect and respond to fraud against us and the Australian Government.
Find out more about how we collect and use information.
How to report
To report suspected fraud or corruption involving our staff or activities funded by us, call us on 02 7809 9900.
An investigator will return your call to gather more information.
You can also:
- email us at fraudliaison@agedcarequality.gov.au
- send your report by post to:
Fraud Liaison Officer
GPO Box 9819
Canberra
ACT 2601
You can remain anonymous, but providing your details will help the investigation.
How we investigate
We take all reports seriously and investigate when we have enough information.
In addition, we:
- treat all information securely, sensitively and confidentially
- log and assess all reports
- provide limited feedback so ongoing investigations are not jeopardised and for privacy. reasons
- don’t comment on investigations into individual providers or their staff due to the secrecy provisions of the Health Insurance Act 1973
- refer the matter to other entities, such as the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the Australian Federal Police or local police, in some circumstances.
