ReturnToWorkSA

In reply to the Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield) (21 September 2018). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): I have been advised of the following:

What were the number of investigations in 2017-18, broken down by employer, worker and provider?

A total of 314 investigations were completed in 2017-18. Of these investigations, 262 related to employers suspected of under-declaring remuneration and non-compliance with their obligation to provide suitable employment. A further 50 investigations related to workers for suspected benefit fraud and two related to suspected provider fraud.

What were the total number of referrals made to external legal providers for opinion, including the Crown, on the matter of prosecutions arising from investigations, broken down by employer, worker and provider in 2017-18?

The Crown Solicitor's Office is the only external legal provider used by ReturnToWorkSA for prosecutions. A total of five referrals were made to the Crown Solicitor for opinion in relation to the prospects of prosecution pursuant to section 196 of the Return to Work Act 2014 in 2017-2018. Of these referrals, four related to alleged offending by workers and one related to alleged offending by a provider to the scheme.

What were the total number of prosecutions, broken down again by employer, worker and provider, in 2017-18?

Four matters proceeded to prosecution in the Magistrates Court in 2017-18. Each matter related to offending by workers.