Brisbane, 25 May 2026

• Charge 1 – Section 533 Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCRA) – Fraud
• Charges 2-5 – Section 534 WCRA – Providing False Information

The worker suffered a workplace injury in March 2023 while working as a carer. She made a claim with WorkCover Queensland for workers’ compensation.

Prior to the worker’s claim being accepted, she commenced working elsewhere as an Assistant in Nursing and did not disclose that other employment to the insurer as required.

The defendant falsely stated to a doctor that she could not drive, despite driving to her undisclosed work. The defendant also falsely told the insurer that she wanted to work but was unable to.

In late May 2023, the defendant was seen wearing her new work uniform by a person from her original employer, who notified WorkCover.

In a subsequent conversation with a WorkCover customer advisor, the worker falsely stated that she did not have a second job or other income source.

In mid-June 2023, the defendant was told by WorkCover that they had evidence of her earning a second income. The defendant was reminded that she had previously denied this. She responded that she must have been confused and had thought WorkCover had been asking if she was doing extra shifts at her original employer. The defendant admitted having a second income but falsely stated that she was not working on a regular basis and that it was just computer work.

In total, the defendant’s conducted resulted in WorkCover being defrauded of $12,270.07.

Charge 1: 6 months imprisonment

Charges 2 – 5: 2 months each imprisonment

Sentences to run concurrently and wholly suspended with an operational period of 18 months.

A worker should tell the insurer if they return to work during their claim.