Taskforce Integrity is conducting its first operation in the Australian Capital Territory and Queanbeyan, New South Wales this August and September.
The Taskforce is a collaboration between the Department of Human Services and the Australian Federal Police to tackle welfare fraud and educate people about their requirements.
During the visit to the capital, the Taskforce will conduct operations in Gungahlin and Tuggeranong, as well as Queanbeyan.
Letters sent to current welfare recipients in the ACT and Queanbeyan remind people of their responsibilities to keep their personal circumstances up-to-date.
Since its inception in 2015, Taskforce Integrity has completed over 42,000 compliance reviews and raised debts of almost $40 million in taxpayer funds owed to the Commonwealth, more than a quarter of which has been identified in New South Wales.
Taskforce Integrity is focused on enforcing the law and targeting people who wilfully commit welfare fraud. It does not target or aim to penalise those who make genuine mistakes.
While the vast majority of people do the right thing, some people deliberately defraud the system, and others need a reminder to keep their details up to date.
If Taskforce investigations reveal evidence of criminal behaviour, the matter is referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, where further action may be taken.
Anyone who would like more information on Taskforce Integrity operations or how to report welfare fraud can visit the Department of Human Services website.