Welcome to the General Investigation and Review Branch
General Investigation and Review Branch (GIR) is responsible for fraud and ethics awareness, management of the Defence Whistleblower Program, and major fraud investigations. The Branch is also managing a project to develop an enhanced information system (DPSMS) to maintain data from across Defence into policing and security investigations.
DEFENCE ETHICS AND FRAUD AWARENESS PROGRAM
GIR Branch offers assistance to all Defence employees in ethical awareness training in the form of face-face and e-learning presentations. The presentations are complemented by videos that seek to raise individual awareness of fraud, its consequences and promote workplace discussion of issues by depicting common ethical dilemmas that arise in the work environment. The latest video, Defence Values – ‘The Siege of Tobruk', has been developed to help demonstrate the importance of making values based decisions in the workplace.
DEFENCE WHISTLEBLOWER SCHEME
The Defence Whistleblower Scheme is an alternative and independent way for any person to report alleged misconduct or unethical behaviour involving:
- a member of the ADF
- a public servant employed by Defence
- a supplier of goods or services to Defence
If you do not wish to use this scheme, but still want to make an allegation, the alternative reporting mechanism in Australia for concerns about aspects of the administration of Government is the Office of the Ombudsman.
Who Can Report
Anyone who elects to have misconduct dealt with under the Defence Whistleblower scheme.
This reporting scheme is not just for Australian Defence Organisation Personnel. We welcome any substantiative allegations from any person who knows of misconduct, fraud or unethical behaviour being exhibited by an Australian Defence Force Member (ADF), an Australian Public Servant hired by Defence, or a contractor or supplier to Defence with relation to their Defence business.
What to Report
Behaviour that can damage Defence's reputation or ability to operate efficiently and effectively, including:
- Misconduct or unethical behaviour;
- Fraud or any other activity that may breach Commonwealth legislation, with special regard to the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 (DFDA), Public Service Act 1999 (PSA), and Financial Management & Accountability Act 1997 (FMAA);
- Harassment or unlawful discrimination;
- Misuse or mismanagement of Defence resources;
- Breaches of security;
- Behaviour that could jeopardise the reputation of Defence and that of its members; and
- Practices that compromise occupational health and safety.
Confidentiality
Individuals making allegations under the scheme will have their confidentiality protected wherever possible and will receive feedback on the outcome of investigations.
Malicious Reports
Investigations will cease to proceed when an allegation is found to be:
- frivolous, mischievous or vexatious;
- without substance; or
- if it has been previously investigated by another organisation or agency, unless the allegation is made regarding the actual conduct of the investigation.
While very few allegations are judged to be malicious, administrative action has been taken against personnel who have made malicious allegations in the past.
Reporting Process
There are several ways to lodge a report:
- by phoning a confidential 24 hour hotline: 1800 673 502;
- in writing, by letter or fax addressed to:
Director, Investigations and Recovery
CP3-2-015
Campbell Park
Canberra ACT 2600
Fax number (02) 6266 4588
(This is a secure and confidential number);
- by emailing IG.Investigations@defence.gov.au or
- by meeting with the Director of Investigations and Recovery or an assigned investigator in person.