A Sydney woman, 59, was sentenced in the NSW District Court today (6 November, 2026) for fraud and migration offences committed while she was employed by Tourism Australia.
The woman was sentenced to two years and six months' imprisonment, to be served in the community under an Intensive Correction Order. She was also ordered to complete 120 hours of community service.
The woman previously pleaded guilty to:
One count of dishonestly obtaining a financial gain from a Commonwealth entity, contrary to section 135.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
One count of facilitating the unlawful entry of a non-citizen into Australia, contrary to section 234(1)(c) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
AFP Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the misuse of public funds undermined confidence in government processes and institutions.
"Those entrusted with public resources have a responsibility to act with integrity, and the AFP will not hesitate to investigate conduct which may breach this trust," Det-Supt Needham said.
"Fraud against the Commonwealth is not a victimless crime. Every dollar allegedly diverted for personal gain is money which could otherwise be used to deliver services for the Australian community.
"Protecting public money and maintaining confidence in government institutions is a shared responsibility, and the AFP encourages the reporting of suspected fraud, corruption and other serious misconduct."
