In accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Framework 2017, Defence continues to meet its mandatory obligations to prevent, detect and respond to fraud and corruption. Defence has a mature fraud and corruption control program which has a range of strategies to manage, evaluate and report fraud and corruption activities, including:

• the promotion of integrity and development of a strong ethical culture through mandatory and focused training, publications and an Ethics Advisory Service
• a rigorous fraud and corruption risk assessment program focusing on Defence-wide vulnerabilities
• an intelligence-led and targeted fraud and corruption detection program
• investigation of fraud, corruption, misconduct and unethical conduct, with the application of appropriate criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary action
• recovery of proceeds from fraudulent and corrupt conduct
• development and strengthening of partnerships, at the Commonwealth and international levels, to facilitate information-sharing arrangements.

Investigations

In 2019–20, there were 257 fraud investigations registered within Defence, with 198 investigations completed during the year (some of those completed were registered in previous years). Approximately 52 per cent of completed investigations resulted in criminal, disciplinary or administrative action. Of these, approximately 21 per cent related to disciplinary action under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.

_{Note:
Fraud losses are recorded against the financial year in which the relevant investigation is closed. Cash recoveries comprise all payments received in the financial year, regardless of the year in which the investigation was closed, and include recoveries relating to matters that are currently the subject of investigation.}