'Double dipping': SIRA prosecutes Sydney man over injury fraud

‘Double dipping’: SIRA prosecutes Sydney man over injury fraud

6 March 2023

The NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has successfully prosecuted an injured Sydney worker for obtaining a financial advantage by deception/dishonesty.

Robert Stephen Kovacs, of Blacktown, was convicted and sentenced to an 18-month Community Correctional Order and ordered to repay $22,676, along with prosecution costs of $9347.

After an injury at work he failed to disclose to his insurer that he started work at another employer and continued to accept benefits.

“Willful acts of fraud where workers double dip can undermine the ability of the workers compensation scheme to provide care and support for genuinely injured workers,” SIRA CEO Adam Dent said, adding that Mr Kovacs knowingly defrauded the NSW workers compensation system, and his prosecution sends a “clear message of deterrence”.

“SIRA has, and will continue to, investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud against the NSW workers compensation scheme.”

Mr Kovacs pleaded guilty and was sentenced at the Downing Centre Local Court. Magistrate Price found it was a serious offence, though noted Mr Kovacs’ remorse and contrition.