A Victorian man who took a $200,000-a-year business manager role while receiving $114,952 in workers’ compensation has been convicted of fraud and told to repay the money.  

The 57-year-old suffered leg, shoulder and back injuries after slipping at work in April 2021.

His injury claim was accepted in June that year, but he continued to work until May 2022, when he underwent surgery.  

After the operation, the man did not return to work and began submitting medical documents certifying that he could not do so. He started receiving weekly benefit payments in June 2022.

However, WorkSafe investigators found that in the same month, the claimant, from Lynbrook, took on the business manager position at a rail freight company.  

They said that on three occasions, he was asked about his employment status and said he was not working. They said he also lied about his employment status on 11 of 13 medical certificates he submitted.

At Frankston Magistrates’ Court, the man admitted one charge of fraudulently obtaining payments and one of providing false or misleading information.  

He has paid back the benefits and been placed on an 18-month community corrections order including 180 hours of unpaid community service.  

Return to Work Victoria executive director Jason Lardelli said: “It’s really disappointing to see when someone knowingly accepts workers’ compensation payments while already earning a full-time salary.

“Not only is it a crime, it’s a breach of community trust to those who genuinely rely on the scheme while they can’t work.

“Those who behave in this way will be caught, and they will face the full consequences of their actions.”