DHA is committed to integrity
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ethical conduct and accountability in all aspects of our operations.
Fraud and corruption undermine public trust, divert resources from essential services and can result in significant financial and reputational harm. DHA takes all allegations of fraud and corruption seriously and has systems and processes in place to prevent, detect and respond to suspected wrongdoing.
We encourage employees, contractors, tenants, service providers, suppliers and members of the public to report any suspected fraud, corruption or other integrity concerns.
Fraud
Fraud is defined as dishonestly obtaining (including attempting to obtain) a gain or benefit, or causing a loss or risk of loss, by deception or other means.
Examples of fraud may include:
- providing false or misleading information
- falsifying documents, records, invoices or claims
- theft, misappropriation or misuse of DHA assets, funds or resources
- obtaining a financial or other benefit through deceptive conduct
- deliberately concealing information to gain an advantage.
Corruption
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power, position or authority for personal gain or to improperly benefit another person or organisation.
Examples of corruption involving DHA may include:
- offering, receiving or soliciting a bribe, gift or benefit to influence a decision.
- failing to declare or appropriately manage a conflict of interest.
- improperly using official information for personal benefit or to benefit another person or organisation.
- misusing a position, authority or access to DHA resources for private gain.
- providing preferential treatment to a family member, friend, contractor or supplier.
- improperly influencing procurement, contracting, recruitment or tender processes.
- exercising official powers in a way that is dishonest, biased or inconsistent with public trust.
How to report suspected fraud or corruption to us
If you suspect fraud or corruption involving DHA, you should report it as soon as possible. Reports can be made even if you do not have all the information.
You can report concerns by emailing fraud@dha.gov.au
When making a report, please provide as much information as possible, including:
- details of the suspected conduct.
- names of people involved (if known).
- relevant dates, locations and circumstances.
- supporting documentation or evidence (if available)
- if you wish to remain anonymous or not
- if we can contact you to obtain further information regarding your report.
Remaining Anonymous
DHA will handle reports sensitively and, where possible, maintain the confidentiality of individuals who make reports.
You can remain anonymous, but it may present difficulties in investigating. If you provide contact details, we will protect your information in line with our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988. You can find out more about how we collect and use information on our privacy page (link to page).
Outcomes of Investigations
DHA will assess all reports received and determine appropriate actions. Due to restrictions under the Privacy Act 1988 we cannot give you updates or details about our activities.
Other Reporting Mechanisms
Defence Member Entitlement Fraud
DHA do not undertake investigations into Defence Member entitlement fraud. If you suspect that a Defence Member may have provided false and misleading information to receive entitlements (such as Rental Assistance) to which they were not entitles to receive, please lodge your report via the Defence website: Fraud and corruption | About | Defence(Opens in a new tab/window)
Reporting corruption to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is an independent Commonwealth agency responsible for detecting, investigating and preventing serious or systemic corrupt conduct in the Australian Government public sector. You may refer concerns directly to the NACC where you believe the matter involves serious or systemic corruption affecting a Commonwealth public official or entity.
More information about making a referral to the NACC is available on the https://www.nacc.gov.au(Opens in a new tab/window).