Fraud and Corruption Mitigation
Monash University’s commitment
Monash University is committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, recognising the need for accountability and transparency when conducting all University business.
Monash University has a zero tolerance for fraud and corruption. Our Fraud and Corruption Control Policy sets out the University’s approach to preventing, detecting and responding to fraud and other types of corruption.
We use the following terms to describe conduct that compromises the University's trust and integrity:
Fraud
Fraud is defined as dishonest activity causing actual or potential gain or loss to any person or organisation encompassing theft of property, including intellectual property and information. Fraud also includes deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of documentation used or intended for use for a normal business purpose, or the improper use of information or position for personal financial benefit.
Corruption
Corruption is defined as dishonest activity that is (a) contrary to the interests of the University and/or (b) where an individual in a position of trust acts in order to achieve improper personal advantage, or improper advantage for another person or organisation, either directly or indirectly. It may also involve corrupt conduct by the University, or a person purporting to act on behalf of the University and/or in the interests of the University in order to secure some form of improper advantage either directly or indirectly. Fraud is a particular type of corruption.
Bribery (a form of corruption)
Bribery is a form of corruption, it occurs when someone offers, promises, gives, requests or receives a benefit to improperly influence a decision or outcome. A bribe may be monetary, but can also include gifts, travel, hospitality, donations, favourable treatment, or disguised payments through third parties. Bribery of a foreign public official is a serious offence under the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Combatting Foreign Bribery) Act 2024. Monash University prohibits all forms of bribery, including foreign bribery. Monash University also recognises risks of foreign interference. For reporting related to foreign interference concerns, visit the Foreign Interference page for more details.
Reporting suspected fraud or corruption
Any staff member who suspects or becomes aware of a conduct that may constitute fraud, corruption or bribery should report the activity as soon as practicable.
Staff may make a report to:
- their manager or supervisor;
- Head of Unit of Portfolio Head; or
- Director, Internal audit.
Any manager, supervisor, Head of Unit or Portfolio Head who receives a report of suspected fraud or corruption must report the matter to the Director, Internal Audit as soon as practicable.
If the Director, Internal Audit is implicated in alleged fraud or corruption, the matter should be reported to the Executive Director, Governance, Risk & Policy.
Suspected fraud or corruption should be reported in accordance with the Fraud and Corruption Control Procedure or any equivalent instruments for University controlled entities.
Reports of suspected fraud or corruption can alternatively be made in accordance with the Whistleblower Policy and Procedure, for those seeking protections afforded under Commonwealth or Victorian law, or can be made under any equivalent instruments for University controlled entities where applicable. Visit https://www.monash.edu/whistleblower for more information.
Investigation and response
The assessment of a report made under the Fraud and Corruption Control Procedure will be undertaken by the Director, Internal Audit. This initial assessment determines how the matter should be reviewed, investigated or otherwise responded to. The specific steps and considerations involved in this assessment are set out in the Fraud and Corruption Control Procedure.
If the Director, Internal Audit determines that the report has substance, a formal investigation will be initiated. The University's investigation process, including principles, operating procedures and investigation outcomes is described in detail in the Procedure.
Email address to report suspected instances of Fraud or Corruption
Any member of the University community or the general public may report suspected fraud or corruption to the Director, Internal Audit. Such reports can be made by emailing fraud.corruption@monash.edu.