The AOFM’s fraud and corruption control framework aims to ensure that we maintain high standards of service to the Australian Government and community. It is designed to protect public money and property, and the integrity, security and reputation of the AOFM.
What is Fraud and Corruption
Fraud is defined as 'Dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means'. In this definition, 'benefit' refers both to tangible items, such as money or objects, and intangible benefits including power, status or information.
Corruption is defined as ‘any conduct that does or could compromise the integrity, accountability or probity of public administration’. This can include misuse of information, breach of public trust, abuse of public office or conduct by any person that adversely affects (or could adversely affect) the honest or impartial exercise or performance of an official. The benefits of corrupt acts can be either tangible or intangible. They may include such things as unauthorised monetary gain as well as other benefits or advantages, including access to confidential information, preference for job selection, avoidance of disciplinary action and personal favours.
Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework
The Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework 2024 supports Commonwealth entities to effectively manage the risks of fraud and corruption. The framework consists of 3 parts:
- The Fraud and Corruption Rule (Section 10 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Rule 2014) provides the legislative basis for the Commonwealth’s fraud and corruption control arrangements.
- The Fraud and Corruption Policy sets out the key procedural requirements for accountable authorities of non-corporate Commonwealth entities (NCEs) to establish and maintain an appropriate system of fraud and corruption control for their entity.
- Fraud and Corruption Guidance (Resource Management Guide 201 - Preventing, detecting and dealing with fraud and corruption) provides more detailed guidance to assist officers who are responsible for fraud and corruption control within entities to implement the requirements of the Rule and the Policy.
The framework is focused on prevention, which is the most cost-effective way to minimise the risks of fraud and corruption. Prevention helps to avoid serious harms that fraud and corruption causes for the public sector and those who rely on us.
How to report
Information about suspected fraudulent or corrupt behaviour against the AOFM can be reported confidentially to integrity@aofm.gov.au. Information relating to fraud or corruption against other Government agencies must be reported to those agencies. Alternatively, you can send your report to:
Fraud Manager
Australian Office of Financial Management
Level 3, Treasury Building
Newlands Street
Parkes ACT 2600
The AOFM takes all allegations of fraud and corruption seriously. Reports will be assessed and investigated as appropriate, which may require involvement of external parties such as the AFP.
Due to privacy restrictions and/or the integrity of an investigation, feedback may not always be provided to the individual making the report. If the allegation involves another individual, the AOFM may not be able to provide information about the conduct or outcome of the investigation due to obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Information to include in your report
To enable the AOFM to undertake an assessment of the report, it is suggested the report provides:
- details about the person/s involved, such as names, phone numbers, addresses, social media details and relevant organisations; and
- information about actions or activities suspected to be fraudulent or corrupt, including how, when and where the activity occurred; and
- contact details (individuals may choose to remain anonymous).
National Anti-Corruption Commission
The National Anti-Corruption Commission commenced operations on 1 July 2023. The commission is an independent agency established to detect, investigate and report on serious or systemic corruption in the Commonwealth public sector.
If you are concerned about potential corrupt conduct in the Commonwealth public sector, you may wish to refer your matter to the Commission.
For more information, including how to make a referral, visit the National Anti-Corruption Commission website or call 1300 489 844.
Privacy notice
The AOFM is subject to the Privacy Act 1988. Personal information is collected by the AOFM in the course of managing fraud control activities. The primary purpose of this collection is for the prevention, detection and response to fraud against the AOFM and the Commonwealth. AOFM’s Privacy Policy is available from our website.
