Background

2.This Operational Advice supplements Operational Advice 96/027 issued in November 1996 concerning Covert Surveillance and Operational Advice 97/016 issued in June 1997 concerning Fraud Investigation Documentation and Reporting.

3.Comcare is committed to the Commonwealth's fraud control policy, as outlined in Comcare's Fraud Control Plan.  The Fraud Control Plan is designed to:

• protect public money and property as well as the integrity, security and reputation of Commonwealth public institutions; and

• maintain a high level of services to the community consistent with Commonwealth government policy.

4.Comcare has a responsibility to investigate allegations of fraud and misrepresentation against its programs.  All information relating to  surveillance or investigations should be treated as Investigation-In-Confidence.