Australian taxpayers have saved $1.4 billion through Government investigations of welfare fraud and non-compliance during the past 18 months.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, said those who do commit fraud were taking money away from those in most need of assistance.
“Australia has a generous social safety net reflective of our fundamental belief in a fair go, but there are unfortunately some who attempt to take advantage,” Minister Hunt said.
“While the majority of people do the right thing, there are those who set out to deliberately defraud the system, robbing those in desperate need of assistance.
“In order to ensure the long term viability of our welfare system, we must always be vigilant for those who wantonly exploit it for their own personal gain.
“These people take money out of the hands of every single Australian.
“The Coalition Government is committed to securing the integrity and fairness in the welfare system in order to ensure those who need assistance receive all the help they can.”
The Turnbull Government is serious about ensuring only those entitled to payments receive them.
You can report suspected fraud online at humanservices.gov.au/fraud or by calling the fraud tip off line on 131 524.
(ENDS)