Independent Review finds we’ve strengthened counter-fraud arrangements across government

An independent review has found that the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre (the Centre) has succeeded in its mission to strengthen counter-fraud arrangements across the Australian Government.

Commissioned by the Attorney General’s Department and conducted by KPMG, the review assessed the Centre’s implementation, effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness.

The evaluation drew on documentation, interviews and a government wide survey. Survey responses numbered 181 across 72 entities, ensuring a broad cross section of perspectives across the Australian Government.

A strong endorsement of the Centre’s impact

The review found that the Centre has been successfully implemented as intended. It continues to demonstrate approachability and commitment to the uplift and growth of fraud understanding and capability across the Australian Government.

Specifically, the review found: ‘the Centre is a trusted, reputable and high-quality provider of training courses and provides comprehensive and foundational fraud prevention resources and guidance.’

  • 87% of survey respondents agree that the CFPC has enhanced their entity’s counter-fraud capability.
  • 86% of survey respondents are satisfied with the support of the CFPC.
  • 89% of survey respondents agree that the CFPC supports them to better prevent and detect fraud.
  • 91% of survey respondents agree that their entity would benefit in the future from the continuation of the CFPC.
  • 99% of survey respondents state there are no current functions or activities which the CFPC should stop performing.

The review found the Centre has become a trusted, independent source of expertise, valued for its practical guidance, high-quality training and contemporary leadership. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of the Centre’s training and outreach, uplifting the capability of hundreds of public officials on best practice techniques in fraud prevention.

Driving collaboration and global best practice

The Centre cannot achieve these results alone! The review also highlighted how the Centre helps drive innovation and collaboration across the system through domestic and international partnerships. Its leadership within the International Public Sector Fraud Forum, including deep collaboration with the UK Public Sector Fraud Authority, was praised as sector-leading.

The review also recognised the Centre’s role in helping entities adopt the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework 2024 and the contribution of its guidance, workshops and advice in supporting entities to meet their obligations.

Further opportunities

Building on the strong foundations already established, the review identified opportunities for future focus, including:

  • enhancing training and engagement reach
  • adopting a stronger leadership role in law and policy reforms
  • strengthening governance
  • clarifying roles within the broader fraud ecosystem
  • broadening the Centre’s service offer as demand for its services continues to grow.

The review noted that additional resourcing would be needed to achieve these goals.

Thank you for your engagement

We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to contribute their perspectives. As a small team, we are humbled by the positive feedback and deeply value the partnership we have with entities across the Australian Government. Your insights will directly inform how the Centre can continue to support entities and strengthen Australian Government fraud prevention efforts.

Visit the Independent Review of the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre page to find out more.