Queenslands anti-corruption watchdog says eight public servants could face disciplinary action over the fake Tahitian prince fraud case.

A report released today says there is sufficient evidence to substantiate 24 allegations of misconduct against the Queensland Health officers.

Chloe Swan reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Joel Morehu-Barlow was able to siphon off over $16.6 million before his arrest in December 2011.

He falsified documents, forged signatures and misled co-workers for four years before a mid-level staffer discovered the inconsistencies.

Barlow was jailed for 14 years in March after pleading guilty to making 65 fraudulent transactions between 2007 to 2011.

In a report released today, the Crime and Misconduct Commission outlined how eight Queensland Health officers inadvertantly helped Barlow commit his fraud for so long by not following existing procedures and policies.

It recommended Queensland Health discipline those who remain in the public service.

Assistant Commissioner Kathleen Florian says it is not enough to simply have appropriate policies and procedures in place.

Kathleen Florian, Assistant Commissioner: “Policy, procedures and controls can only protect against fraud if staff adhere to them. Employees at all levels should be aware of the risk of fraud and act on warning signs.”

Florian urged the public sector to learn from Barlow’s case so the opportunity for fraud to be committed in the future is minimised.

The Minister for Health Lawrence Springborg says the government will examine and act on the appropriate recommendations.

Lawrence Springborg, Minister for Health: “Certainly since that time many things have been done to move to strengthen the system to ensure that the chance of this happening in the future is very much reduced.”

The CMC identified key areas for public sector agencies to monitor. Including financial management, accountability and the acceptance of gifts.

The report includes important information to help all public sector agencies to reduce the risk of fraud and to prevent fraudulent behaviour in the workplace.

The Commission described Barlow as a brazen and determined fraudster.

He is not due for parole until December 2016.

Chloe Swan, QUT News