Strong measures to combat fraud under the Home Insulation program
Greg Combet
posted Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Greg Combet, Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency today outlined a series of strong measures in response to claims of fraud that has been committed under the Government’s Home Insulation Program.
“The Government is committed to aggressively pursuing those who may have committed fraud,” said Mr Combet.
“The actions of unscrupulous operators have had a serious impact on legitimate businesses, employees and households who participated in the Government’s Home Insulation Program.”
“As Minister, I am disgusted that any fraud may have been committed by firms under the Program and I am determined to take action against these unscrupulous operators.”
“That is why I wrote to the Auditor General on 3 March requesting that he consider the commencement of an audit of the Home Insulation Program as a matter of priority. The Auditor General has agreed to conduct an audit.”
“I have also taken advice from the Department as to the appropriate way to evaluate the scope for fraud that may have occurred, and to identify cases so that such matters may be referred to the AFP or other relevant authorities.”
“The Department has advised me of its intention to appoint a firm to conduct a forensic audit of the Program for this purpose.”
“The Department has also moved to conduct a new fraud risk assessment and to move additional staff and resources into audit and compliance work.”
“For the hardships caused, for the loss of value of legitimate businesses, for the extent of safety and fire hazards, for the loss of consumer confidence and for the failure of duties of care and regulatory compliance, the Government attributes a burden of responsibility to the minority of companies involved in the program that cut corners to achieve a ‘quick buck’.”
“As Minister, let me assure all those who may have participated in non-compliant or fraudulent behaviour in connection with the Home Insulation Program, that we will track you down.”