Man jailed for fraud

A SLACKS Creek man who claimed income support from Centrelink while working under another name was jailed for two years last Wednesday.

Wayne Andrew Denning, 42, appeared in the Beenleigh District Court where he pleaded guilty to unlawfully collecting Centrelink benefits to the amount of $44,565.04 between 1999 and 2006.

Denning will serve a minimum of three months, followed by a three year good behaviour bond. He was also ordered to repay $38,015.68.

Evidence presented to the court revealed Denning was receiving the Parenting Payment Single payment while earning an income under the alias Brett John Wiseman.

The court heard Centrelink detected the deception through a tip-off.

Centrelink general manager, Hank Jongen, said the public had a right to be angered by those who defraud the welfare system.

“The message is clear – those who continue to rort the system will be caught and face the possibility of lengthy jail time, and of course paying back the debt,” he said.

“Australia's about giving people a fair go, and our welfare system gives people who are genuinely in need of a safety net when they can't support themselves.

“All Australians have an important role to play in making sure welfare payments go to those in need by stopping people who deliberately commit fraud.”

To report a suspected fraud, members of the public can call the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 1524, go to the Centrelink website at www.centrelink.gov.au or visit their local Centrelink office.