Foreigner's fraudulent Medicare transactions and other offences spark concern
- Replies 15
Disclaimer: The names in asterisks were changed for privacy purposes. This article also discusses distressing topics about abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
Australia's immigration and healthcare services recently came under fire over two unresolved incidents.
Despite clear evidence, government agencies have repeatedly failed to take decisive action.
A man, reportedly a North American national, slipped through the cracks of immigration oversight and was granted entry into Australia.
His subsequent actions exposed the weaknesses in both the immigration process and the country's Medicare system.
The man, who remains unidentified, sparked outrage and concern after news of him abusing his ex-wife broke out.
Natalie* has endured years of emotional and physical abuse at his hands.
She mailed the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, asking about revoking her sponsorship for the man's visa, which she initiated in 2020.
However, immigration services abruptly gave him a permanent residency.
The government's mishandling of the situation only compounded her suffering, as she now lives in fear for her safety.
While investigating this man's matter, documents also revealed a series of frauds he committed prior to the domestic abuse.
In July 2018, he assumed the identity of an Australian citizen to undergo major surgery.
This procedure should have been inaccessible to him, as he was on a working holiday visa.
Prior to the operation, he had access to a specialist and a radiologist through Medicare.
He also got access to rehabilitation care and pharmaceuticals.
The evidence of the fraudulent activities was damning, as text messages revealed his admittance of doing the fraud.
Despite multiple reports to the Australian Federal Police, Medicare, and Crime Stoppers Victoria, there was a lack of investigation and no legal repercussions.
'This failure to act on fraudulent activities not only undermines the integrity of Australia's immigration and healthcare systems but also allows the perpetrator to continue his abusive behaviour unchecked,' Ms Elder stated.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke wanted to correct the Department of Immigration and Border Protection's decision.
'I have met with my department to discuss the systems that allowed this error to be made. Given there has been no process before the courts in this case, I have asked my department to advise me of my options urgently,' Minister Burke said.
Meanwhile, Services Australia's General Manager, Hank Jongen, stated that all reports of suspected fraud are taken seriously and are being assessed by specialist officers.
However, the lack of tangible action following the reports showed a disconnect between policy and practice.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) also released a statement regarding the series of events.
'The AFP advised the complainant that the allegation of Medicare fraud should be reported to Services Australia,' an AFP spokesperson said.
This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of Australia's safeguards against fraud and abuse and the protection offered to victims of domestic violence.
Natalie's plight and the lack of accountability in the man's case should serve as a call to action for all Australians.
It is a reminder to stay vigilant and always advocate for more robust measures to protect Aussies against fraud and abuse.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and abuse, help is available.
The National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service has a 24-hour helpline online via the 1800 RESPECT website or phone at 1800 737 732. You may also contact Lifeline.
You may also reach out to the National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service via their hotline, 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578).
Men's mental health services are also available via Men's Referral Service or dial 1300 766 491.
Australia's immigration and healthcare services recently came under fire over two unresolved incidents.
Despite clear evidence, government agencies have repeatedly failed to take decisive action.
A man, reportedly a North American national, slipped through the cracks of immigration oversight and was granted entry into Australia.
His subsequent actions exposed the weaknesses in both the immigration process and the country's Medicare system.
The man, who remains unidentified, sparked outrage and concern after news of him abusing his ex-wife broke out.
Natalie* has endured years of emotional and physical abuse at his hands.
According to Natalie, the man threatened her by sending her a video of him wielding a gun. Image Credit: Natalie
She mailed the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, asking about revoking her sponsorship for the man's visa, which she initiated in 2020.
However, immigration services abruptly gave him a permanent residency.
The government's mishandling of the situation only compounded her suffering, as she now lives in fear for her safety.
While investigating this man's matter, documents also revealed a series of frauds he committed prior to the domestic abuse.
In July 2018, he assumed the identity of an Australian citizen to undergo major surgery.
This procedure should have been inaccessible to him, as he was on a working holiday visa.
Prior to the operation, he had access to a specialist and a radiologist through Medicare.
He also got access to rehabilitation care and pharmaceuticals.
The evidence of the fraudulent activities was damning, as text messages revealed his admittance of doing the fraud.
Despite multiple reports to the Australian Federal Police, Medicare, and Crime Stoppers Victoria, there was a lack of investigation and no legal repercussions.
Kellene Elder, a domestic and family violence consultant with SaferSteps, expressed dismay at the government's inaction.'This failure to act on fraudulent activities not only undermines the integrity of Australia's immigration and healthcare systems but also allows the perpetrator to continue his abusive behaviour unchecked,' Ms Elder stated.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke wanted to correct the Department of Immigration and Border Protection's decision.
'I have met with my department to discuss the systems that allowed this error to be made. Given there has been no process before the courts in this case, I have asked my department to advise me of my options urgently,' Minister Burke said.
Meanwhile, Services Australia's General Manager, Hank Jongen, stated that all reports of suspected fraud are taken seriously and are being assessed by specialist officers.
However, the lack of tangible action following the reports showed a disconnect between policy and practice.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) also released a statement regarding the series of events.
'The AFP advised the complainant that the allegation of Medicare fraud should be reported to Services Australia,' an AFP spokesperson said.
This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of Australia's safeguards against fraud and abuse and the protection offered to victims of domestic violence.
Natalie's plight and the lack of accountability in the man's case should serve as a call to action for all Australians.
It is a reminder to stay vigilant and always advocate for more robust measures to protect Aussies against fraud and abuse.
The National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service has a 24-hour helpline online via the 1800 RESPECT website or phone at 1800 737 732. You may also contact Lifeline.
You may also reach out to the National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service via their hotline, 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578).
Men's mental health services are also available via Men's Referral Service or dial 1300 766 491.
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