Ms MAY —My question is addressed to the Minister for Community Services. Would the minister advise the House how the government is addressing social security fraud? In particular, what programs are in place to ensure that social security fraud is minimised?

Mr ANTHONY (Community Services) —I would like to thank the member for McPherson, who does a mighty job as my neighbouring MP, for her insightful question. I would like to inform the House that later today I will be tabling the 1998-99 Centrelink compliance report. This report shows that over $232 million worth of social security payments owed to Centrelink have been identified by computer data matching programs.

During the 1998-99 financial year, there were over 3,000 convictions for welfare fraud. Centrelink's compliance activities resulted in savings to the Australian taxpayer of $20.9 million per week. Over a quarter of a million payments were either cancelled or reduced as a result of Centrelink's compliance activities, equating to almost $280 million. These figures certainly highlight that the government's action on social security fraud is achieving results.

Although this government is committed to reducing the cost of fraud and overpayments to taxpayers, I emphasise that this government is equally committed to prevention, and prevention, as we know, is always better than cure. This government takes seriously its duty to ensure the integrity of the social security system. We have a duty not only to the Australian taxpayer but also to the vast majority of Centrelink customers, who are honest and have genuine entitlements to social security payments. Later today, I will be tabling this document.