Fraudulent Document Policy

Version 1.0

Download Fraudulent Document Policy (7 pages PDF)

This policy describes how we manage situations in which we detect fraudulent documents. It applies to all documents submitted by an individual when:

• applying for an eligibility check
• registering for an exam.

1. Purpose

APC has the responsibility to ensure that pharmacists wishing to migrate and/or practise in Australia are genuine and has a zero tolerance for fraud.

This policy describes the management by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) of fraudulent document(s) that may be submitted by an individual as part of a Skills Assessment application.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all documents submitted to the APC by an individual seeking an APC Skills Assessment.

3. Policy Statement

3.1. Candidate obligations

Individuals seeking an APC Skills Assessment are required to submit specific documents as described in the APC Assessment Standards. All submitted documents must meet the requirements of the APC Skills Assessment Document Policy.

When submitting their documents via the APC Candidate Portal, candidates are required to sign a declaration that states the information they have supplied in their application is complete, correct, and up-to-date, and not misleading.

3.2. APC obligations

APC staff who assess submitted candidate documents complete regular Department of Home Affairs (DHA) training in relation to fraudulent document detection.

If APC staff suspect that a submitted document is fraudulent, they will utilise additional measures (where required) to verify the legitimacy of the information, including (but not limited to) primary source checks.

If APC staff find evidence that a submitted document is fraudulent, APC will:

• issue a formal written warning to the candidate, advising them that the issue may be notified to the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA) and the DHA
• assess the nature of the fraud and may share the details of the candidate and the fraudulent document(s) submitted by the candidate with the DHA (when appropriate)
• assess the nature of the fraud and may share the details of the candidate and the fraudulent document(s) with PharmBA (when appropriate)
• assess the nature of the fraud and determine if the candidate is able to progress with their APC Skills Assessment. APC will make this decision on a case-by-case basis.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

The APC Assessments Team is responsible for compliance with this policy, ensuring alignment with DHA and PharmBA policies.

5. Related documents/ Links

Assessments Standards

Skills Assessment Document Policy

Privacy Policy

6. References

Guidelines for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities 2021, Dept of Education, Skills & Employment