VICTIMS OF CRIME FUND

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (30 October 2012).

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Business Services and Consumers): I have been provided with the following advice:

In August 2012, an alleged, significant fraud against the Victims of Crime Fund (the Fund) was uncovered by Crown Solicitor Office (CSO) staff. The alleged fraud was reported in accordance with the Department's Fraud and Corruption Framework, the Auditor-General was notified and a police investigation was initiated.

In addition, the department immediately engaged its independent internal auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)) to undertake a review of existing controls in relation to specific processes for the assessment and payment of Victims of Crime compensation.

As a result of the PWC review, additional controls have been added to the existing processes to mitigate the risk of inappropriate or fraudulent payments from the Fund. The CSO immediately implemented the new processes for Victims of Crime claims assessment and payment.