‘Gaming the process’: Probe finds $1 million of pandemic grants were claimed fraudulently – 3 May 2024
A South Australian corruption investigation has found more than $1 million of cash grants meant to help businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic were claimed fraudulently.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) unearthed flaws in the grant system, where officials were left unable to access the Australian Tax Office files to verify claims made by businesses.
Two integrity investigations into Tasmanian MPs have been going for almost two years, but little information has been made public – 3 May 2024
Tasmania’s Integrity Commission recently urged politicians not to speculate about investigations into members of parliament. One investigation, codenamed Loyetea, has been running for two years, while another, Olegas, started being assessed 22 months ago. The Centre for Public Integrity says the commission is “encouraging” the political speculation by failing to resolve the investigations quick enough.
Sydney Man Expected To Be Charged With Blackmail After Major Data Breach Investigation – 4 May 2024
A man in Sydney has been arrested by the police under suspicion of blackmail in connection to a significant data breach investigation. The breach has resulted in the exposure of personal details belonging to potentially up to one million residents of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which were shared online.
Warren Buffett says AI may be better for scammers than society – 5 May 2024
Warren Buffett cautioned the tens of thousands of shareholders who packed an arena for his annual meeting that artificial intelligence scams could become “the growth industry of all time”. Someone made a fake video of Mr Buffett, apparently convincing enough that the so-called Oracle of Omaha himself said he could imagine it tricking him into sending money overseas.
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Australians have had a gutful of corruption, but will the latest promises of whistleblower reform be enough? – 6 May 2024
The cases of ex-military lawyer David McBride and ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle have prompted a growing public interest in whistleblower protections. Both men have spent years waiting for judgment. Submissions reveal that our whistleblowing protection laws are not fit for purpose and need updating. Some call for a separate independent agency to help fill the gaps and encourage more whistleblowing.
Embattled plane maker Boeing faces new investigation – 8 May 2024
It’s been a tough week for US plane maker Boeing, which suffered a rocket glitch forced the delay of its first-ever astronaut launch, just two hours before lift-off. It comes as the US Federal Aviation Administration opened a new investigation after the company reported that workers had falsified inspection records on certain 787 Dreamliner planes.
The time to assess your company’s exposure to bribery and corruption risk is now – 8 May 2024
In the wake of the new ‘failure to prevent’ offence, the Commonwealth Attorney-General is required to publish guidance on the steps that can be taken to prevent an associate from bribing foreign public officials, to assist companies to implement appropriate measures to stop bribery. In this paper, they discuss the new draft adequate procedures guidance1 and explain what you need to do to prepare for the foreign bribery reforms taking effect in early September 2024.
Greyhound industry reforms to be overseen by former racing integrity commissioner Sal Perna – 8 May 2024
Note: Sal has been an AIPI member for several years. Sal Perna, who was Victoria’s racing integrity commissioner, will oversee administrative and animal welfare reforms in the SA greyhound industry. Mr Perna’s appointment comes after the ABC revealed animal abuse Mr Perna will regularly report to SA Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard.
NDIS provider accused of excessive use of force against people with disabilities – 9 May 2024
An ABC investigation has uncovered a series of allegations by former workers blowing the whistle on mistreatment, neglect and excessive use of force against people with disabilities being cared for by NDIS provider Evolution Support Services. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/ndis-provider-evoloution-support-services-under-scrutiny/103814678
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/ndis-provider-accused-of-excessive-use-of-force/103828586
Fiji’s former prime minister Frank Bainimarama sentenced to one year in jail after interfering in police investigation – 9 May 2024
Fiji’s former coup leader and former prime minister Frank Bainimarama has received a one year jail sentence after being convicted of perverting the course of justice. The conviction related to his role in influencing a police investigation into funding of the Pacific region’s biggest university in 2019. Bainimarama faces a series of charges after he lost office in Fiji’s December 2022 election.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/frank-bainimarama-sentenced-to-jail-fiji-court/103791144
