WA Woman Jailed for Exploiting Hardship Superannuation Scheme

A woman from Western Australia has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for fraudulently obtaining over $202,000 through illegal applications for early superannuation release. The 39-year-old was sentenced by the Perth District Court on 19 September 2024, with a non-parole period of 18 months, after pleading guilty to 30 charges in November 2023.

Under the Federal Government’s guidelines, Australians can access their superannuation early in limited circumstances, such as financial hardship or on compassionate grounds. These criteria were expanded in 2020 to include those facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

An investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), triggered by the ATO-led Serious Financial Crime Taskforce, uncovered the fraudulent scheme. Between April 2019 and April 2020, the woman submitted 30 false claims for severe financial hardship, both for herself and on behalf of 24 others, to access $10,000 from each person’s superannuation.

In her own case, after securing an early hardship payment, she transferred the remaining balance to another fund and submitted a second application. In total, more than $202,000 was released due to her fraudulent activities.

The woman profited from the scheme by charging a fee for each fraudulent application, collecting nearly $11,000 in total. She also falsified certifications, using the details of professionals like teachers, doctors, and pharmacists to validate fake documents.

When the AFP executed a search warrant at her home in May 2020, they discovered business identification stamps and other incriminating evidence.

The woman faced the following charges:
– 27 counts of fraud, under the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA).
– Three counts of attempted fraud.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal emphasized the importance of protecting government support programs from fraud, ensuring funds are reserved for those in genuine need.

Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief and ATO Deputy Commissioner John Ford said the case highlights the Taskforce’s commitment to targeting and holding accountable those who exploit the tax and superannuation system.

“This outcome sends a clear message that we will bring to justice those who exploit the system for personal gain,” Ford said.