Fraud strategy

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) does not tolerate fraudulent or dishonest behaviour and is committed to preventing, detecting and responding to fraud in all operations.

Fraud Control Policy and Plan 2021–23

The APVMA’s Fraud Control Policy and Plan 2021–23 has been updated following a review of the APVMA’s fraud control processes.

The Policy is designed to foster awareness of fraud and corruption while documenting the APVMA’s approach to managing fraud and corruption within the Commonwealth Fraud Control Framework.

What is fraud and corruption?

Fraud

Fraud in the Commonwealth is defined as:

Dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means.

In this definition, 'benefit' refers to both tangible items, such as money or objects, and intangible benefits including power, status or information.

Corruption

The APVMA defines corruption as “dishonest activity in which a person associated with an organisation (e.g. director, executive, manager, employee or contractor) acts contrary to the interests of the organisation and abuses their position of trust in order to achieve personal advantage or advantage for another person or organisation”.

This can also involve corrupt conduct by the organisation, in order to secure some form of improper advantage for the organisation either directly or indirectly.

What information should I report?

If possible, reports should be made in writing and contain the following:

  • Nature of the fraud
  • Amount involved or scope
  • How it was discovered
  • Details of evidence obtained
  • Name of the person reporting the fraud.

How do I report fraud and corruption?

The APVMA takes all allegations seriously and encourages reports of suspected fraud from internal and external parties. Prompt reporting of suspected instances of fraud is key to the successful detection of the offender(s) and the limiting of loss to resources and/or damage to the APVMA’s reputation.

Suspected fraud or corruption can be reported, including anonymous reports, by downloading, completing and returning the fraud referral form.

Reports can also be made directly to any of the staff listed below. Do not report suspected fraud or corruption to someone who is thought to be involved.

  • Assistant Director, FOI, Privacy and Integrity
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Executive Officer

Email: integrity@apvma.gov.au

Phone: +61 2 6770 2300

Mail:
GPO Box 3262
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia

What will happen next?

Any alleged fraudulent or corrupt behaviour that is reported to or detected by the APVMA will be handled confidentially and appropriately including referring serious or complex matters to the Australian Federal Police or another law enforcement agency.

Suspected fraud or corruption may also be reported as a Public Interest Disclosure to an Authorised Officer. See Public Interest Disclosures for more information.

Complaints

If you wish to make a complaint to the APVMA, you can find more information about APVMA complaints handling on our website.

Public Interest Disclosures

What is a Public Interest Disclosure?

A Public Interest Disclosure (PID) can be conduct or behaviour within the Commonwealth public sector that may be subject to the PID scheme under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act) including:

  • a contravention of the law
  • corruption
  • perverting the course of justice
  • maladministration
  • abuse of public trust
  • falsifying scientific research
  • wastage of public money, or
  • conduct that is a danger to health, safety or the environment

What are the APVMA’s responsibilities under the PID Act?

All Australian Government agencies, Commonwealth corporate entities and public authorities have responsibilities under the PID Act to:

  • investigate suspected wrongdoing
  • take appropriate action.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Office is responsible for overseeing the operation of and promoting the PID Act.

How to make a Public Interest Disclosure

To submit a Public Interest Disclosure or for more information:

Email: PID@apvma.gov.au

Alternatively, you can make a PID directly to the Commonwealth Ombudsman:

Phone: +61 2 6276 3777

Email: PID@ombudsman.gov.au

PIDs should include as much information as possible, including:

  • name and contact details
  • nature of the alleged wrongdoing
  • who committed the alleged wrongdoing
  • when and where the alleged wrongdoing occurred
  • any relevant background information or key events
  • if any action has been taken in response to the alleged wrongdoing
  • contact details for anyone else who is aware of the alleged wrongdoing
  • any concerns about safety or possible reprisal as a result of making the disclosure.

Am I protected if I make a disclosure?

The PID Act protects disclosers and the APVMA will not tolerate any reprisal action against a person who makes a disclosure in accordance with the Act.

More Information

For more information:

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