By the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre
Strengthening Australia's fight against fraud and corruption: The essential role of the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre
Fraud and corruption can be significant threats to public trust, eroding the integrity of government programs and resources and can cause irreversible harm to our communities, industries and environment. At the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre (CFPC), within the Attorney-General’s Department, we play a critical role in bolstering the fraud prevention efforts of Australian Government entities. Our mission is to help Australian Government entities prevent, detect, and deal with fraud and corruption across the public sector. Through the provision of essential tools, expert advice, and a commitment to fostering collaboration, we support public sector entities in creating a fraud and corruption-resilient environment.
Equipping entities for success
Our work begins with one fundamental principle: equipping Government entities with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent fraud and corruption before it occurs. By offering practical guidance and leading practice frameworks, we help agencies develop and implement effective fraud and corruption control strategies. We provide comprehensive resources on areas such as fraud risk assessment, controlling fraud and corruption risk, preventing fraud and corruption in procurement and grants administration, and designing fraud and corruption resistant policies, enabling entities to identify vulnerabilities and proactively address them.
One of the standout resources we offer is counterfraud.gov.au, a dynamic website that serves as a central hub for all things related to fraud prevention. The site is filled with leading practice guides, resources, case studies and the Commonwealth’s legislative framework, including the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework — vital materials for fraud control and risk officers seeking to stay ahead of emerging risks and strengthen their fraud and corruption prevention strategies.
Enabling collaboration and knowledge sharing
We understand that combating fraud and corruption is a collective effort. One of our core strengths lies in fostering collaboration among public sector fraud control practitioners. Through networking forums, training, webinars and newly established Communities of Practice, we create spaces where experts can share insights, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions. This collaborative approach helps build a united front against fraud and corruption, encouraging the exchange of best practices across the public sector.
Training is another cornerstone of our work. Our award winning Counter Fraud Practitioner Training Program is designed to develop the expertise of fraud control and risk officers, equipping them with the skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond to fraud and corruption risks effectively.
Empowering the public sector with knowledge and action
Empowerment is at the heart of our mission. We are dedicated to ensuring that Government entities not only have access to the latest leading practice and insights but also the tools and knowledge to take informed action. To that end, we work with entities to enhance fraud and corruption awareness and foster a culture of vigilance across the public sector. Our partnership with the APS Academy to update fraud and corruption awareness training is a key initiative in building this culture of accountability, along with our annual International Fraud Awareness Week campaigns. The Centre has established strong partnerships with counterparts across the 5 Eyes nations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States). These partnerships enable the Centre to leverage off international experience and good practice in fraud prevention, to strengthen counter fraud capability across the Australian Government.
A stronger, more resilient public sector
In today’s rapidly evolving environment, preventing fraud and corruption is more important than ever. The CFPC is committed to leading the way in supporting Australian Government entities with the resources, knowledge, and networks they need to stay ahead of fraud and corruption risks. By empowering public sector officials with the latest tools, we ensure that the Australia Government remains resilient, accountable, and trusted by the public.
You can find out more about the CFPC’s resources, support and training by visiting counterfraud.gov.au or contact info@counterfraud.gov.au.
