A recent State Insurance Regulatory Authroity (SIRA) outcome we see as a signifcant outcome for the NSW Workers compensation scheme following a Blacktown resident being convicted & sentenced for defrauding the NSW workers compensation scheme.
The NSW man was charged with obtaining a financial advantage by deception/dishonesty under section 192E(1)(b) of the NSW Crimes Act 1900 and was ordered to pay restitution of $22,675.88 to the Workers Compensation Insurance Fund and to cover the prosecution costs of $9,346.95.
SIRA’s investigation revealed that the injured worker received weekly workers compensation benefits for the period covering March 2018 to July 2019. But failed to disclose to iCare that he commenced working for a different employer in November 2018.
As a result of his failure to notify his Insurer of his change of employment status, the worker received $22,675.88 between November 2018 and July 2019 to which he was not entitled and will have to reimburse.
SIRA Chief Executive Adam Dent said the below in relation to this case.
“Wilful acts of fraud where workers double dip can undermine the ability of the workers compensation scheme to provide care and support for genuinely injured workers,” Mr Dent said.
“SIRA has, and will continue to, investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud against the NSW workers compensation scheme.
“Prosecutions like this one send a clear message of deterrence.”
This is a significant decision & for further information, please refer below or contact our team to discuss.
Source: SIRA
Title: Man sentenced for workers compensation fraud
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