Ipswich mum Charlotte Anne Newbery claimed bogus flood payouts during February floods

An Ipswich single mum has been forced to repay thousands of dollars to the government, after they uncovered her brazen ploy to swindle the system in two states during the community’s time of need.

Ipswich mum Charlotte Newbery. Picture: Charlotte Newbery

A court has heard how an Ipswich mum took advantage of the system to claim false disaster payouts from two different Australian states.

Bundamba mum Charlotte Anne Newbery, 28, pleaded guilty in Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on September 13, 2023, to two counts of obtaining financial advantages from the Commonwealth that she knew she was not eligible for, and one count of failing to appear.

The court heard Newbery had taken advantage of the Queensland and New South Wales’ disaster recovery scheme during the February 2022 floods.

She made two claims, one in each state, claiming her property had been significantly damaged in the floods.

But the court heard she did not live at either address she submitted.

Newbery received $2200 in flood relief for each claim, totalling $4400.

Magistrate Rowan Silva noted the checks against fraud were substantially reduced during disaster situations like the floods, so that payments could be expedited to those in need.

He said there was a strong need to deter others in the community from taking advantage of such situations and “double dipping” like Newbery had.

Commonwealth prosecutor Lana Millar said offences like Newbery’s also caused detriment to those in genuine need of assistance.

Ms Millar said Newbery’s criminal history contained multiple entries for dishonesty, including theft and fraud-type offences.

Charlotte Anne Newberry, 28, outside Ipswich Magistrates Court on September 9, 2023. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Defence lawyer Patrick O’Donnell noted, however, that this was his client’s first time before the court since 2016.

He said Newbery was a single mother of three young children and had been in financial need at the time.

The court heard she was currently on a parenting pension and seeking employment.

Mr O’Donnell said his client was very remorseful, but was limited in her ability to repay the funds.

He estimated Newbery’s current SPER debt totalled approximately $30,000.

Mr Silva acknowledged Newbery was “no doubt under financial stress” at the time of her offending but said she needed to find other means to solve that.

He sentenced her to three months’ imprisonment, with immediate release after signing a good behaviour order.

That order stipulated Newbery be of good behaviour for two years, or otherwise forfeit a recognisance of $3000.

She was ordered to replay $4400 to the Commonwealth, plus an additional $107.95 for court costs.

Newbery was further fined $200 for failing to appear, and convictions were recorded for all offences.