Man allegedly claimed $60,000 in payments

A MAN has been arrested and charged for falsely claiming drought assistance worth about $60,000.

The 41-year-old Cunnamulla man was arrested on Thursday and charged with 41 offences.

Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) Detective Inspector Troy Pukallus said the man had been served a notice to appear in court for the 41 charges, including five counts of fraud, 18 counts of forgery and 18 for uttering a false document.

The investigation started after the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries referred the matter to police last month.

It is alleged the man falsified and submitted documents in order to receive assistance from the Department, who administers the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme.

“This is a tough time for farmers and those impacted so heavily by the drought,” DI Pukallus said.

“We take offences like this quite seriously as it has the potential to affect those who genuinely need and deserve this assistance.”

The man is due to appear in St George Magistrates Court on January 22, 2019.