Post by Banker on May 9, 2012 8:29:15 GMT 7
A public tip-off has resulted in a Mount Isa woman being jailed for three years after being convicted of a $138,000 Centrelink fraud.
Joanne Ada Parker, 52, pleaded guilty in the Mount Isa District Court to receiving Parenting Payment Single she wasn't entitled to between 1996 and 2007.
Evidence presented to the court revealed Mrs Parker was part of a couple for that period but continued to tell Centrelink she was a single parent.
A tip-off from a member of the public subsequently uncovered the deception.
In handing down the sentence, the Judge ordered Mrs Parker be imprisoned for three years, to be released after 10 months when she must serve a good behaviour bond.
Mrs Parker was also ordered to repay the money.
Department of Human Service general manager Hank Jongen said penalties handed down by the courts for welfare fraud sent a clear message that defrauding the Commonwealth would not be tolerated.
"It's important to remember the vast majority of the seven million people receiving a Centrelink payment do the right thing," Mr Jongen said.
"This is not about prosecuting people who make genuine mistakes - it's about ensuring people only receive what they are legally entitled to under the law and that people are deterred from committing social security offences."
www.northweststar.com.au/news/local/news/general/isa-woman-jailed-for-fraud/2549472.aspx
Joanne Ada Parker, 52, pleaded guilty in the Mount Isa District Court to receiving Parenting Payment Single she wasn't entitled to between 1996 and 2007.
Evidence presented to the court revealed Mrs Parker was part of a couple for that period but continued to tell Centrelink she was a single parent.
A tip-off from a member of the public subsequently uncovered the deception.
In handing down the sentence, the Judge ordered Mrs Parker be imprisoned for three years, to be released after 10 months when she must serve a good behaviour bond.
Mrs Parker was also ordered to repay the money.
Department of Human Service general manager Hank Jongen said penalties handed down by the courts for welfare fraud sent a clear message that defrauding the Commonwealth would not be tolerated.
"It's important to remember the vast majority of the seven million people receiving a Centrelink payment do the right thing," Mr Jongen said.
"This is not about prosecuting people who make genuine mistakes - it's about ensuring people only receive what they are legally entitled to under the law and that people are deterred from committing social security offences."
www.northweststar.com.au/news/local/news/general/isa-woman-jailed-for-fraud/2549472.aspx