Sydney government employee charged over $50,000 taxpayer-funded overseas travel bill
A government employee has been charged after allegedly blowing nearly $50,000 in taxpayer funds on overseas holidays.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating the Sydney woman in June last year, following a report she had used public money to fund four personal trips over a 14-month period.
It's alleged she spent about $49,000 on flights and accommodation using government funds.
Police further allege she faked a visa letter to make the trips appear work-related, and arranged false documents to help a foreign national obtain a visa to enter Australia.
In December 2024, AFP officers searched the woman's home as part of their investigation.
She has been charged with one count of dishonestly obtaining a gain from a Commonwealth entity, one count of abuse of public office, and one count of delivering a false or misleading document in connection with a visa application under the Migration Act.
The woman appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, where she was granted conditional bail.
She is due to reappear on July 2.
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