The Department of Human Services has launched its second digital forensics laboratory to assist in the disruption of organised criminal activity in Australia’s welfare system.
The new laboratory, in Brisbane, was opened by the Minister for Government Services, Stuart Robert.
Mr Robert said the facility provided a scientific, technically advanced and secure place to analyse digital evidence to aid in criminal fraud investigations.
He said it was the second of its kind built by the Department, with the first being launched in Canberra in 2015.
Mr Robert said the laboratory showed how the Department was excelling in developing state of the art capabilities to target serious and organised crime.
“The Department places great emphasis on protecting the integrity of taxpayer money through strong safeguards of the Centrelink and Medicare programs,” Mr Robert said.
“Fraud has become increasingly complex, with fraudsters exploiting technological advances to commit crimes.”
He said the laboratory would enhance the Department’s capabilities to support other Agencies in their efforts to tackle fraud, such as the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Australian Federal Police.
It would also play a major role in the Department’s own Taskforce Integrity operations.
“The new facility will allow the Department to continue to detect and disrupt organised crime activity, and to stop the exploitation of vulnerable customers and communities,” Mr Robert said.
“The Canberra digital forensics team has already successfully contributed to over 50 investigations and analysed hundreds of seized devices, leading to numerous positive prosecution outcomes,” he said.
