The Australian Government's Response to Fraud

The Australian Government has developed a multi-faceted national strategy to combat fraud, in particular banking sector fraud.  As part of this strategy the Government has initiated biannual meetings with peak bodies of the finance sector to discuss partnerships between industry and Government to address the growing problem of banking fraud, in particular credit and debit card skimming.

The Australian Crime Commission has established a National Card Skimming Database, developed in partnership with a number of financial institutions including Visa, American Express, the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, National Bank, St George and Westpac, to help identify organised gangs that are committing card skimming crimes.

The Australian High Tech Crime Centre is working closely with the Australian Bankers' Association on banking fraud.  The AHTCC is hosting analysts from major banks to assist in investigations of internet fraud.  This collaboration between industry and law enforcement is helping to produce the most comprehensive national response to internet banking fraud initiated world-wide.

Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines

The Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines outline the principles of fraud control within the Commonwealth and set national minimum standards to assist agencies carry out their responsibilities to combat fraud against their programs. The Guidelines outline agency responsibilities for fraud prevention, reporting of fraud information, fraud investigation case handling and training of agency fraud investigators and fraud prevention officers.

The Guidelines apply to all agencies that are subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC) agencies that are at least 50% budget funded for their operating costs. Other Government agencies are encouraged to comply with the Guidelines.

For further information view the Fraud Control Australian Government Policy page on the Attorney-General's Department website.