Worker fined $100,000 and jailed for workers’ comp fraud

It’s unusual in Queensland to see extreme examples of workers’ compensation fraud, but a Brisbane magistrate recently heard a case that was described as a serious offence and example.

In June 2023, a worker was found guilty of serious fraud. They were ordered to repay $100,000 to their employer, pay $23,000 in costs, and sentenced to prison.

The imprisonment term given was 18 months for fraud, and a further four months for providing false information, with the time to be served concurrently.

The court heard the worker had been employed as a sales assistant when they sprained their shoulder. Unable to work due to injury, they lodged an application for workers’ compensation.

While the worker received compensation from their employer, it was heard they worked as a ride-share driver and a road crossing supervisor and didn’t report this to their insurer. The person also later denied they’d engaged in paid work while receiving compensation payments.

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