Report Fraud and Corruption
WorkSafe is committed to protecting the funds and assets placed under its controls and protection for the benefit of the Victorian community.
Any fraud or corruption committed against WorkSafe is a major concern to WorkSafe. Consequently, any allegations of observed or suspected fraud or corruption will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee or any other person(s) who commits fraud or corruption against WorkSafe.
Read the WorkSafe Fraud and Corruption Policy
- What is fraud?
- What is corruption?
- How to report suspected fraud or corruption relating to Worker’s Compensation
- How to report suspected fraud or corruption relating to Premium avoidance
- How to make a confidential complaint under the WorkSafe’s Whistleblower Protection Procedures
- What action will WorkSafe take?
- Who to contact for general guidance and advice
Fraud is dishonest activity or potential financial loss to WorkSafe including theft of moneys or other property by employees or persons external to WorkSafe. This also includes the deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of falsified documentation used or intended for use for a normal business purpose or the improper use of information or position.
Fraudulent behaviour relating to Worker Compensation
The following are examples of fraudulent behaviour by a worker:
- knowingly submitting a false claim
- providing false information
- working whilst on compensation benefits
- altering a medical certificate
- submitting false travel expense claims.
The following are examples of fraudulent behaviour by an employer:
- failing to have a return to work plan
- failing to offer suitable employment
- failing to forward a claim within the statutory time period
- dismissing worker for lodging a claim for compensation
- refusing to accept a WorkSafe Injury Insurance claim
- failing to make weekly compensation payments.
The following are examples of fraudulent behaviour by a service provider:
- claiming for services which were not given (service providers, private investigators etc)
- providing false invoices, medical certificates
- providing deliberate over-servicing.
Fraudulent behaviour relating to Premium
The following are examples of fraudulent behaviour by an employer:
- deliberately providing incorrect information about the type of work being undertaken (workplace industry classification - WIC)
- deliberately understating amount of remuneration for premium calculation
- failing to have an insurance policy when required.
Corruption is any dishonest activity in which a director, executive, manager, employee, or contractor of WorkSafe acts contrary to the interests of WorkSafe and abuses their position of trust in order to achieve some personal gain or advantage for themselves or for another person or entity.
The following are examples of corrupt behaviour:
- deliberate schemes or arrangements to reduce premium
- payment of secret commissions paid in money or some other value to a WorkSafe employee, contractor, service providers and clients
- conflict of interest involving a WorkSafe employee, contractors, service provider, Agent or that of a relative or friend acting on his own self-interest rather than the interests of WorkSafe
- release of confidential information, for other than a proper business purpose, sometimes in exchange for either a financial or non-financial advantage.
How to report suspected fraud or corruption relating to Worker’s Compensation
To report suspected fraud or corruption relating to Worker’s Compensation contact Worksafe on:
Phone: (03) 96411051
Fax: (03) 96411631
Email: assessment_centre@worksafe.vic.gov.au
How to report suspected fraud or corruption relating to Premium avoidance
To report suspected fraud or corruption relating to Premium avoidance contact Worksafe on:
Phone: (03) 96411206
Fax: (03) 96411768
Email: premium_information@worksafe.vic.gov.au
Click here for further information on Empolyer Compliance
How to make a confidential complaint under the WorkSafe’s Whistleblower Protection Procedures
The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 deals with whistleblowing and protection for people who report allegations of improper or corrupt conduct by WorkSafe or its employees
To make a confidential complaint under the WorkSafe’s Whistleblower Protection Procedures you can contact: The Protected Disclosure Officer
Marlo Baragwanath
General Counsel
Corporate Legal Services
Phone: 03 9641 1027
or any of the WorkSafe’s other Protected Disclosure Officers.
For their contact details, see the publication WorkSafe’s Whistleblower's Protection Procedures
What action will WorkSafe take?
Where allegations are supported, WorkSafe will respond appropriately, in the circumstances, by either initiating disciplinary action under its’ internal policies, notifying the appropriate law enforcement agencies or reporting to relevant authorities. This may include referral to the Police.
WorkSafe is committed to protecting the funds and assets placed under its controls and protection for the benefit of the Victorian community.
Any fraud or corruption committed against WorkSafe is a major concern to WorkSafe. Consequently, any allegations of observed or suspected fraud or corruption will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee or any other person(s) who commits fraud or corruption against WorkSafe.
Who to contact for general guidance and advice
Contact our Advisory Service for general guidance and advice relating to Occupational Health and Safety and Workers Compensation.
Phone: (03) 9641 1444
Toll Free: 1800 136 089
Email: info@worksafe.vic.gov.au
