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3.6 Data Matching Exercises

3.6.1Overpayments may be detected as a result of data matching exercises. Data matching involves the comparison of client information collected from government departments with the purpose of strengthening fraud control measures.

3.6.2Some of the government departments/agencies with which DVA conducts data matching include:

  • the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS), through Centrelink
  • the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
  • the Registrar of Birth, Deaths and Marriages; and
  • ComSuper.

Data matching exercises are generally conducted in regular cycles, occurring at different periods for different departments.

3.6.3Where there is an identity match, the information is checked and the relevant details are compared. If a discrepancy exists, overpayment investigation is then undertaken. For example, if a pensioner has advised DVA that he/she has no income but has declared taxable income to the ATO, it is likely that an overpayment has occurred.

3.6.4The DVA Data Matching Program Clerical Procedures Manual sets out in detail the data matching process and how overpayments may be detected as a result. The information compared includes personal details and tax file numbers. There are strict time limits within which action must be taken if overpayments are detected as a result of data matching - these are set out in the Clerical Procedures Manual. The Clerical Procedures Manual may be obtained from the Compliance and Review Section, Income Support, National Office upon request.