On this page:
If you suspect someone has committed fraud or is attempting to commit fraud related to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) you should report it. You can call the FEG Hotline on 1300 135 040 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) and ask to provide a tip-off.
If you would prefer to email or post your report to FEG, use the Report Suspected Fraud form, then:
- email your report to FEGCompliance@dewr.gov.au, or
- post your report to:
FEG Compliance Team
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
GPO Box 9828
Canberra ACT 2601
Alternatively, you may wish to submit an anonymous tip-off to the department via the Whispli reporting tool.
When reporting fraud to us:
- you don't have to provide your name or contact details.
- be prepared and provide as much information as you can, including names and contact details of relevant individuals or organisations, how and when the fraudulent behaviour occurred, and supporting documentation.
- remember that all personal information the department collects is protected by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). For more information, refer to our Privacy Statement.
What happens next
We take all allegations of fraud seriously. We assess information reported and investigate where appropriate.
We aim to respond to people who report fraud. However, feedback will not always be provided.
How we address FEG fraud
We have a robust fraud and non-compliance regime in place and take all reasonable steps to prevent, detect and deal with fraud related to FEG.
These steps include:
- authenticating identity
- sharing data with other Australian Government agencies
- verifying owed entitlements based on company books and records
- regularly auditing randomly selected claims
- scrutinising claims and cases with red flags for serious non-compliance and fraud.
FEG payments are not made unless the evidence at hand supports that a legal entitlement exists.
FEG fraud-related prosecutions
In April 2019, a former staff member of a firm providing insolvency services was convicted of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, under s134.2(1), Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) (Criminal Code). The individual was sentenced to a nine month Intensive Corrections Order and ordered to pay $43,718.62 in reparations to the Commonwealth.
In April 2018, a claimant was convicted of dishonestly intending to obtain a gain, under s135.1(1) of the Criminal Code. The claimant, who intentionally failed to declare a familial relationship to the Director of an insolvent entity, was convicted and released without sentence pursuant to entering into a recognisance of $1000 on the condition of good behaviour for 2 years.
In relation to the General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (the predecessor scheme to FEG), charges arose about the lodgement of 16 fraudulent claims, one of which resulted in a payment of $27,404. The parties were convicted of colluding to provide information to the department to mislead the department about the veracity of the claim.
If you are concerned about the integrity of claims or payments under the Fair Entitlements Guarantee contact the FEG Hotline at 1300 135 040 to report your concerns.