Australian government worker allegedly stole $49,000 to pay for overseas trips

By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 02:34 BST, 8 May 2025 | Updated: 03:27 BST, 8 May 2025

A government worker is accused of stealing $49,000 of taxpayer funds to pay for four personal overseas holidays.

Australian Federal Police began investigating the Sydney woman in June 2024, following reports that a public servant was illegally using taxpayer money to fund her personal trips over a period of 14 months.

Officers executed a search warrant at her home in December and accused her of stealing $49,000 of public money.

She allegedly used the funds to cover flights and accommodation for four overseas holidays.

Police have also alleged the government employee used a falsified visa letter, which claimed she was travelling for work, in an attempt to cover her tracks.

On top of the charges tied to her holidays, the woman is accused of arranging a false document to help a foreign national to obtain a visa for entry into Australia.

She was charged with one count each of dishonestly obtaining a gain from a Commonwealth entity, abuse of public office and delivering a document that is false or misleading to a material particular in connection with the proposed entry of a non-citizen into Australia with an application for a visa.

The Sydney woman faced Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.

A Sydney government employee is accused of stealing taxpayer funds to pay for four overseas trip (stock image)

She was granted conditional bail.

The worker is set to appear before the same court on July 2.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Office of Local Government NSW for comment.

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Australian government worker allegedly stole $49,000 to pay for overseas trips

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