We uphold our responsibilities to prevent and address fraud and corruption.
If you suspect someone may be committing fraud against our department, you should report it.
Reporting fraud and corruption
We take all allegations of fraud and corruption seriously and manage all allegations in a confidential, prompt, and professional manner. External fraud or corruption may be committed by individuals or organisations external to the department. This could include:
- providers of goods and services
- third-party contractors, or
- funding or grant recipients.
Fraud occurs when someone acts in a dishonest or deceiving way to gain a benefit.
Broadly, fraud and corruption can include:
- providing false or misleading information on grant applications, tenders or procurement contracts
- misappropriating or misusing grant money
- providing falsified receipts for services or goods not provided
- falsifying invoices
- overcharging for services
- bribery or kickbacks by third parties, suppliers or contractors
- accessing or misuse of department information or systems.
You can also report suspected serious or systemic corruption to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
How to lodge a report
All department staff (including contractors), delivery partners, and members of the public can report suspected or detected fraud or corruption against the department.
Complete the online referral form.
Alternatively, you can provide information by emailing fraud@dcceew.gov.au
Information to report
The more information and specific details you can provide about the allegation, the easier it will be for us to assess.
Provide a chronological account of the facts of the allegation(s):
- Who is involved?
- What did they do?
- When was it done?
- Where was it done?
- Any relevant evidence or documents to support the referral
- Any other information that will help us appropriately assess and triage your report to ensure appropriate action is taken.
What happens next
We will review the information and make appropriate enquiries into the allegations. While we may not be able to share specific details of the outcome, be assured that every report is taken seriously and handled with the utmost professionalism.
Scam alerts
We are aware of potential scams using the DCCEEW logo, senior officials’ names and quotes from DCCEEW representatives.
Materials are being sent and may appear to be sponsored or endorsed by us. These include materials relating to:
- private businesses
- investment platforms
- mobile applications.
There has been a spike of these reports in relation to carbon credit trading platforms or the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme.
We do not endorse or sponsor any of the following:
- private investment opportunities
- financial investments
- trading platforms
- commercial activities through mobile applications, websites, or private business entities.
If you receive a message claiming to be from DCCEEW, or endorsed by us or DCCEEW officials, we recommend you:
- do not click on any links or engage with the sender
- do not provide any personal, financial or account information
- seek independent professional advice appropriate to your circumstances
- verify any claims through official government, organisational or law enforcement channels
- do not rely only on information provided by the platform, website, or application
- report suspected scams to Scam watch and, where relevant, notify our Fraud and Corruption Control team at fraud@dcceew.gov.au.