The ASIO has zero tolerance for fraudulent or corrupt behaviour and treats both suspected and actual fraud and corruption seriously. In line with ASIO’s Corporate Plan, ‘ASIO protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security’. We do not just do what is legal, we do what is right. 

ASIO’s fraud and corruption control framework has been designed to enhance and support the integrity of the Organisation. Fraud and corruption have the potential to undermine the integrity and reputation of the Organisation, reduce the resources available for delivering on ASIO’s key priorities, and place public safety at risk. 

What is fraud and corruption?

Fraud is defined as ‘dishonestly obtaining a benefit or causing a loss, by deception or other means.’

Fraud requires intent. It requires more than carelessness, accident or error. When intent cannot be shown, an incident may be non-compliance rather than fraud. An intentional failure to act to prevent a loss to ASIO when required to do so may also fall within the scope of fraud. 

Fraud may include, but is not limited to: 

  • Theft or misuse of ASIO data, information and intelligence.
  • Wrongful use of Commonwealth information or intellectual property.
  • Accounting fraud (e.g. false invoices, misappropriation, misuse of Commonwealth credit cards).
  • Providing false or misleading information to the Commonwealth, or failing to provide information when there is an obligation to do so.
  • Misuse of Commonwealth assets, equipment, resources, systems or facilities.
  • Making, or knowingly using, false, forged or falsified documents.
  • Wrongful claim of entitlements (e.g. expenses, leave, travel allowances, attendance records).
  • Breach of protective security obligations.

Corruption is defined 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.’

Corrupt conduct may include, but is not limited to: 

  • Collusion, bribery (domestic or foreign); nepotism; or cronyism.
  • Obtaining, offering or soliciting secret commissions, kickbacks or gratuities.
  • One or more individuals behave dishonestly or in a biased way in a procurement process.
  • An undeclared or unmanaged conflict of interest.
  • Misuse of official or commercially sensitive information or documents (e.g. access or seek access to information that is not necessary to do your job; change or disclose official information when you are not supposed to; sell classified information or documentation to a third party). 

Fraud and corruption are not just criminal offences; they can also attract civil and disciplinary sanctions, including forfeiture of a security clearance and dismissal. 

Our approach to detecting, preventing and managing fraud and corruption 

ASIO’s approach to fraud and corruption control includes: 

  • Regularly reviewing ASIO’s fraud and corruption risks and upon significant change to structure or operations to identify key strengths and gaps in ASIO’s fraud and corruption controls.
  • Mandatory e-learning training in the prevention, detection and reporting of fraud and corruption.
  • The adoption of a continuous improvement philosophy with specific reference to fraud and corruption in ASIO’s Values and Code of Conduct.
  • Taking all reasonable steps to appropriately respond to suspected incidents of fraud or corruption and prevent further similar offences. 

Fraud and corruption management is a collective responsibility. Therefore, all of ASIO’s workforce, including employees, ongoing and non-ongoing, casuals, contractors, consultants, seconded and embedded workers, are obligated to familiarise themselves with ASIO’s fraud and corruption control framework and their responsibilities.

Importantly, individuals must report any suspected instances of fraud or corruption. ASIO will take all reasonable steps to appropriately respond to suspected incidents of fraud or corruption and prevent further similar offences.

Reporting fraud and corruption to ASIO

All fraud and corruption allegations and investigations are managed confidentially. Please provide as much detail as possible. If we are unable to contact you to obtain further information, our ability to respond to the allegation may be limited.

Reporting suspected fraud or corruption, anonymous or otherwise, can be made by notifying:

 

Internal Audit Directorate

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation 

GPO Box 2176 

Canberra ACT 2601 

 

The envelope should be marked ‘PROTECTED’.