Fraud Control and Investigations Branch

Fraud Control and Investigations Branch (FCIB) is responsible for Defence’s fraud control program that covers the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud and the recovery of fraudulently acquired money and assets.

FCIB is headed by the Inspector General of Defence who has responsibility for the following functions:

Defence Whistleblower Scheme

The Defence Whistleblower Scheme is an alternative and independent way for any person, including members of the public, to report alleged misconduct or unethical behaviour involving:

• a member of the ADF,
• a public servant employed by Defence,
• a contractor to Defence, or
• 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 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, Public Service Act 1999, and Financial Management & Accountability Act 1997;
• Harassment or unlawful discrimination;
• Misuse or mismanagement of Defence resources;
• Breaches of security; and
• 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
• By meeting with the Director of Investigations and Recovery or an assigned investigator in person.

Investigations

Investigation action may include referral of more serious matters to the Australian Federal Police, investigation by Inspector General staff under the criminal law, investigation under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 by the ADF Service Police organisations or, for lesser matters, resolution through other military or civilian administrative processes for dealing with misconduct.

Fraud Control Planning

The Defence Fraud Control Planning process describes the legislative and Government policy background on fraud control and the strategy and methodology on which fraud risk assessments and treatments are based. It sets out the various fraud control strategies Defence applies to protect Commonwealth resources under its control and concludes with the planning and implementation activities required under the plan.

Ethics and Fraud Awareness

Developing and continuously enhancing the quality and effectiveness of ethics and fraud awareness training and related products.

Recovery

The Recovery unit pursues recoveries resulting from fraud against Defence, through civil and administrative means.

Data Analysis and Forensics

Provision of forensic support and data mining and analysis to assist auditors and investigators.

Defence Policing and Security Management System

Defence Policing and Security Management System is an investigation case management application, mandated for use by Defence Investigative Authorities.