Facing jail in Australia, Scots expat scientist in £38k fraud

A SCOTTISH scientist who held two top government posts in Australia is facing jail after admitting carrying out a £38,000 fraud.

Professor Suzanne Miller misused a corporate credit card to buy items including a drone, a scooter and pink LED lights.

The 54-year-old was removed from her roles as Queensland chief scientist and chief executive officer of the Queensland Museum Network following an investigation by the state’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).

The Edinburgh-born geologist also claimed almost £23,000 of private healthcare insurance to which she was not entitled.

At Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday Miller pleaded guilty to fraud. The prosecution said it would call for a sentence of not more than three years in jail.

The court heard the Scot used a government credit card to make purchases worth more than £15,000 for her personal

‘Home and offices raided’

benefit. Items she bought included a Polaroid camera and a high-pressure cleaner.

Miller was charged by the CCC in July, 2017, following an investigation which saw her home and offices raided by investigators.

The scientist, who earned more than £200,000 from her dual roles, was initially suspended on full pay.

However, the Queensland government has said she is no longer an employee.

Miller moved from Scotland to Australia in 2007 to become director of the South Australian Museum in Adelaide.

She was appointed to the Queensland Museum Network in 2013.

Miller, who studied geology at the University of St Andrews, previously worked at the National Museum of Scotland for 12 years, latterly as keeper of natural sciences.

Miller is due to be sentenced in May. She had to surrender her UK and Australian passports as part of her bail conditions.