ACU’s Fraud and Corruption Control Framework

Effective prevention, detection and responses to fraud and corruption are essential to protect the reputation and business objectives of ACU.

ACU has therefore developed a Fraud and Corruption Control Framework (FCCF) which aims to help the university:

• minimise opportunities for fraud and corruption
• protect ACU assets and reputation
• maintain the effectiveness of ACU risk management operations.

This framework articulates ACU’s approach to preventing, detecting and reporting fraudulent or corrupt activity of any kind, including academic and research misconduct.

It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of all staff in supporting this zero-tolerance approach.

What is fraud?

Fraud is defined in the FCCF as a deliberate and dishonest act, intended for financial or personal gain, as a major subset of corruption.

What is corruption?

Corruption extends beyond fraud and may not necessarily be criminal. It includes behaviour that breaches trust and confidentiality, such as theft, misuse of position or authority, or other acts that are unacceptable to the organisation and which may cause loss to ACU and its students, staff or general community.

Forms of corruption identified under ACU’s Fraud and Corruption Control Framework include:

• academic misconduct: any action or attempted action that may result in an unfair academic advantage to one or more students, and
• research misconduct: intentional, reckless or negligent breaches of the Code, be they serious on their own or minor but repeated and persistent.

ACU has a zero-tolerance approach

At ACU, fraudulent or corrupt activity of any kind, including for the benefit of the university, is expressly forbidden. ACU has zero tolerance for fraud and corruption. Staff and students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the university’s principles and values.

For clarity, staff, students, contractors, senators, members and other affiliates must ensure:

• ACU funds are spent for their intended purposes
• university information is secure
• academic and research activity is conducted with honesty and integrity
• assets and resources are used appropriately to protect ACU’s interests and reputation.

More information

All staff are encouraged to download and read ACU’s Fraud and Corruption Control Framework.

If you have any queries about the framework and how it impacts you, please contact the OPSM Risk team by emailing National Manager, Risk Carol Anne Rainbird.

If you are concerned about an activity which you consider might constitute fraud or corruption, please make an anonymous report via KPMG Faircall, an online independent reporting service. You may also wish to raise your concern with your supervisor or manager.

If you have reservations about reporting suspected fraud and corruption activity, please read ACU’s Protected Disclosures Procedures to learn more about how anonymous reporting works at ACU. In accordance with Australian law, ACU’s Protected Disclosures Policy ensures the identity of a ‘Discloser’ will be kept confidential (except in certain permitted circumstances). This university is committed to ensuring that anyone who reports such conduct is not victimised as a result.