A saw mill labourer from Loch Sport was convicted on 1 September and faces the possibility of six months jail after pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $17,000 in workers compensation payments.
The Sale Magistrates Court heard that 33-year old Brett Thomas was working as a saw mill labourer in Sale in 2003 when he injured his back. His claim for workers compensation was accepted, entitling him to claim medical and other expenses related to his claim.
The Court heard, however, that Brett Thomas sought reimbursement for expenses he had not incurred, for those he had previously been reimbursed for and for expenses he claimed to have paid but had not. These included invoices for ambulance transportation and travel expenses for visits to his doctor, chemist, TAFE and chiropractor on dates he had not attended.
Brett Thomas pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraudulently obtaining payments under the Accident Compensation Act 1985.
He was convicted and ordered to repay the $16,628 he had obtained fraudulently. Brett Thomas was also sentenced to six months jail, to commence if he commits any further offences in the next 18 months. He was also ordered to pay costs of $1,535.82 to WorkSafe Victoria .
WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director, Len Boehm said WorkSafe Victoria is committed to doing everything it can to ensure injured workers receive the care and support they need to re-enter the workplace and get on with their life.
He added that WorkSafe Victoria will not support fraudulent behaviour that attempts to take advantage of the system.