Swan Hill Rural City Council
| POLICY TITLE | FRAUD CONTROL POLICY |
|---|---|
| POLICY NUMBER | POL/CORP226 |
| DATE ADOPTED | SEPTEMBER 2008 |
| LAST REVIEW | MARCH 2021 |
| NEXT REVIEWED | MARCH 2024 |
| RESPONSIBLE OFFICER | Risk and Compliance Officer |
| DOWNLOAD |
Purpose
Council is committed to protecting its assets and resources from any attempt, either by members of the public, contractors, agents, intermediaries or its own employees from dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deceit, bias or dishonest conduct.
The objectives of this Policy are to:
- protect public resources, including information and property,
- protect the integrity, security and reputation of Council, and
- maintain a high level of service to the community consistent with good governance.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Staff Code of Conduct and Councillor Code of Conduct.
Scope
This policy applies to all contractors, Councillors, committee members, volunteers and employees of Swan Hill Rural City Council.
Definition
Fraud is defined as a dishonest activity causing actual or potential financial loss to any person or entity including theft of money or other property by employees or persons external to the entity and whether or not deception is used at the time, immediately before or immediately following the activity. This also includes the deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of falsified documentation used or intended for use for a normal business purpose or the improper use of information or position. Standards Australia 2008, Fraud and Corruption Control (AS 8001–2008)
Policy
Council does not tolerate dishonest or fraudulent behaviour and is committed to deterring and preventing such behaviour in the performance of its operations.
Council demonstrates its commitment to preventing fraud and deterring fraudulent behaviour by establishing and maintaining a fraud control framework that includes:
- thorough regular assessment of fraud risks particular to the operating environment of Council and the programs Council administers;
- the development and implementation of processes and systems to effectively prevent, detect and investigate fraud;
- the application of appropriate prosecutorial, administration or disciplinary action to remedy the harms from fraud; and
- the training of all employees in fraud awareness and specialised training of employees involved in fraud control activities to establish a culture of sound ethics and integrity at Council.
Responsibility
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring there are adequate fraud control strategies and structures in place to ensure compliance with the Policy.
The CEO and Directors are responsible for fostering an environment that promotes the highest standards of ethical behaviour.
The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for monitoring and providing advice on risk management and fraud prevention systems and controls.
The Organisational Development Unit has responsibility for policy and management of fraud prevention and fraud control.
All staff have a role in preventing and detecting fraud and must immediately report suspected or known incidents of fraud.
Related Policies
- Councillor Code of Conduct CPOL/GOV026
- Risk Management Policy CPOL/CORP216
- Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy CPOL/GOV027
- Attractive Assets Policy POL/CORP221
- Tendering Policy POL/CORP217
- Procurement Policy CPOL/CORP229
- Serious Misconduct, Negligence and Fraud Policy POL/STAFF123
- Recruitment Policy POL/STAFF 110
- Staff Code of Conduct POL/STAFF127
- Risk Management Framework PRO/CORP251
- Public Interest Disclosure Procedure PRO/GOV018
- Police Check Procedure PRO/STAFF141
Related Legislation
- Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (VIC)
- Local Government Act 1989 (VIC)
- Local Government Act 2020 (VIC)
- Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 Standards
- Australia 2008, Fraud and Corruption Control (AS 8001–2008)
Signed: Bill Moar (Mayor)
Date: 18/3/2021