MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
AusAID
AusAID's zero tolerance approach to fraud is delivering results, with potential losses reducing by more than half in the past year, amounting to just 0.012 per cent of Australia's aid program.
'The efforts of AusAID and its comprehensive approach to reducing fraud are producing excellent results,' AusAID's Director-General Peter Baxter said.
'The reduction of fraud by more than half in 2011-12 is a direct result of AusAID's vigorous approach to combating fraud risks. There have been substantial additional investments to ensure fraud control measures are as strong as possible,' Mr Baxter said.
AusAID has more than doubled its resources for fraud control since the Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness last year found the aid program had a 'serious and systematic approach to fraud management'.
AusAID has strengthened independent oversight of fraud, including through appointing dedicated fraud control officers at high-risk locations, and with the appointment of an independent chair of its audit committee.
'This is ensuring that aid funds get to where they are meant to, fulfilling the objective of the aid program to help people overcome poverty," Mr Baxter said.
'Any fraud against the aid program is unacceptable. We consider it stealing from the poorest and most vulnerable and that's why we are serious about stamping it out.'
'There are no risk-free options in delivering aid, however the Australian Government has extremely robust arrangements in place to deal with fraud and corruption risks.'
'The arrangements AusAID has in place and the results we are seeing give Australian tax-payers confidence that aid funds are being used effectively and efficiently to help people overcome poverty,' Mr Baxter said.
AusAID will continue to take steps to further improve its systems and protections for Australia's aid funds.
Media contact: AusAID Media 0417 680 590