12:00 am, Friday 28 September, 2007

WorkSafe Vic

A Craigieburn man was today fined for fraudulently obtaining more than $6,100 in workplace injury compensation payments and for making false declarations in relation to his workplace injury claim.

The Broadmeadows Magistrates Court heard that Emmanual Ioane was working as a storeman at an IGA Distribution Centre in Laverton North in 2006 when he injured his back while lifting a box. Mr Ioane’s claim for compensation was accepted and he received weekly compensation payments.

Evidence revealed however, that while in receipt of compensation payments, Mr Ioane was working as a security guard at various pubs and clubs in Prahran. He did not disclose this when he submitted his workplace injury claim form. Throughout the duration of his claim, Mr Ioane also continued to formally declare that he was not engaging in any form of employment.

Mr Ioane pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulently obtaining payments under the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and to two counts of making a false declaration.

He was fined $2,000 and ordered to repay the $6,166.18 in compensation he obtained fraudulently.

In addressing the court, Magistrate Ross Betts said this case was a serious matter and that the integrity of the WorkSafe system needed to be protected by the law as “fraud pollutes the whole system”.

WorkSafe Executive Director, Len Boehm, said identifying and prosecuting fraud cases helps to protect honest workers and employers, and maintains the integrity of the Victorian scheme.

“This case is an eye-opening reminder of the consequences of dishonesty.

“While most workers are honest, a case like this can threaten to undermine community confidence and support in the workplace injury compensation system.”

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know