GP convicted of fraud against TAC

11 Oct 2013

A Horsham doctor has been fined $5,000 after fraudulently receiving more than $15,000 in loss of earning benefits from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Dr Hidy Girgis was injured in a car accident in November 2010 and subsequently the TAC was advised she was unable to work.

Full loss of earnings benefits were paid to Dr Girgis up to June 2012. However, Dr Girgis failed to advise the TAC that she had commenced employment as a general practitioner in Horsham in February 2012.

In the Geelong Magistrate’s Court on 27 September 2013, Dr Girgis was found guilty of fraudulently obtaining a benefit from the TAC.

Dr Girgis has received a recorded conviction, been fined $5,000 and an order has been made to pay the TAC’s costs.

Prior to the hearing Dr Girgis had already repaid the fraudulently obtained loss of earnings benefits of $15, 264.80.

The TAC has a responsibility to the community to ensure the financial health of the TAC scheme and that it can continue to look after injured Victorians.

As such, the TAC takes fraud very seriously and where there is evidence of misconduct, the TAC will exercise its strong legislative powers to investigate and prosecute.