Fraud Control Plan 2011
Statement of Purpose
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has a robust ethical culture and prides itself on setting a high benchmark for fraud control and ethical work practices.
In 2011 DFAT published a Fraud Policy Statement which clearly articulates a zero tolerance stance in respect to dishonest or fraudulent behaviour, and underlines the department's strong commitment to reducing the risk and incidence of fraud across its operations both within Australia and overseas.
DFAT aims to reflect best practice in identifying, assessing and controlling our fraud risks. The department's fraud policies form a comprehensive prevention, detection, investigation and reporting framework that is consistent with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines 2011. These policies include raising awareness among staff through mandatory fraud prevention training, fostering an ethical and professional working environment closely aligned with the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct and maintaining strong internal control and audit procedures to reduce fraud risks.
The department has a strong rules-based system already in place and has worked hard to foster a culture of greater individual accountability amongst its staff. The publication of the DFAT Conduct and Ethics Manual, for example, as a first reference point and guide for all matters involving conduct, ethics and fraud, has successfully raised fraud awareness amongst staff and contractors and has enhanced their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in managing fraud risks.
All reports of fraud and misconduct are taken extremely seriously within the department. Support for full and appropriate disclosure in line with the department's Whistleblower and open disclosure policies are in place and the department is committed to undertaking prompt and fair investigations of all allegations and, where appropriate, prosecuting offenders.
The department operates in a complex and increasingly dynamic environment within Australia and overseas. This necessitates the constant revision and evaluation of our procedures. As part of its overall strategy for minimising the risk and incidence of fraud, every two years the department identifies and re-evaluates fraud risk through the re-development and implementation of a Fraud Control Plan.
The department's fraud control plan was last comprehensively reviewed in 2008. This plan builds upon that work utilising the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines 2011, risk standard AS/NZS ISO 31000 (2009) Risk Management - Principles and Guidelines, AS8001-2008 Fraud and Corruption Control and the department's Risk Management Handbook 2011. Previously identified risks have been re-assessed, new and emerging risks have been identified and structural change within the department has been appropriately reflected. As an organic process the effectiveness of this plan relies upon the commitment of all employees to ensuring that incidences or risks of fraud are identified, reported, addressed and monitored.
In accordance with Section 45 of the Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 1997 the department's 2011 Fraud Control Plan is attached.
Dennis Richardson
Secretary