Fraudulent Claim of Social Welfare Benefits: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions v Warden

In the Victorian County Court recently, Lynn Warden pleaded guilty to one charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception from a Commonwealth entity, contrary to section 134.2(1), Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The full facts of the case can be seen in the full report. However, Ms Warden was engaged full-time as an independent contractor to the Hobsons Bay City Council providing family day care services to children in her home while receiving a Disability Support Pension. Ms Warden was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three years, to be released after serving 14 months on a recognisance of $1000 to be of good behaviour for a period of three years. In addition, an order for reparation for the remaining outstanding overpaid amount of $215,944.38 was made.