A Monash Health nurse who illegally claimed $60,000 in single parent payments escapes jail
She was a health operator, but also an illegal wealth generator, claiming over $60,000 of benefits she wasn’t entitled to.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A nurse helping the community helped herself to tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal benefits, a court has heard.
The woman ripped off the government to the tune of $61,000 by saying she wasn’t working while claiming single parent benefits.
Elizabeth Lynn Wade pleaded guilty to an array of Department of Health and Human Services charges at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.
FAKE ID FACTORY FRAUDSTER JAILED
LANDSCAPER IN COURT OVER ALLEGED FRAUD
The 38-year-old from Pakenham admitted stealing a total of $60,888 worth of payments over three years while she worked at hospitals in Moorabbin and Heatherton.
The court heard she had earned $215,000 during the 2015 to 2018 period and repeatedly told the department she was not employed.
A data match in February last year caught out the Monash Health nurse and she was interviewed, admitting she had lied to get the extra money and was extremely sorry for her actions.
Wade’s defence lawyer told the court she had suffered physical and mental health issues and was under extreme stress at the time.
He said during the offending she needed the money as a single parent to pay for her two kids’ childcare, but was now in a long-term relationship and on a better financial footing.
He said she was at risk of losing her job and career, as the nursing authority was taking a keen interest in her case.
TAXI DRIVER GETS BOND FOR THEFT
JAILBIRD SLOTTED FOR FIGHTING, THEFT CRIMES
Magistrate Greg Connellan said a high level of dishonesty underpinned the offending.
“She was working in the health service, a community service, yet she continued to steal from the community,” he said.
Wade was convicted and placed on a 12-month community corrections order, must do 60 hours of unpaid work and undergo mental health and financial management counselling.
She was also ordered to pay back the full amount she stole — $60,888 — on terms to be agreed with the department.
MORE COURT NEWS