She didn’t, at any time, try to update Inland Revenue with the correct information.
WFTC are payments providing assistance for low-income families with dependent children under 18.
During an interview, Filoa admitted she knew she shouldn’t have been receiving WFTC and said the money was used for daily living expenses and personal bills.
However, an Immigration Passenger Movement report showed she travelled overseas, often with her family, about 20 times from 2015 to 2024.
Filoa claimed she used the money to support her family and meet cultural obligations, not luxury spending.
But Judge Luke Radich disputed that, noting that 20 overseas trips by Filoa and her family over eight years indicated a comfortable financial position.
He said it appeared the offending was “motivated by greed rather than necessity”.
Filoa is repaying the amount at $300 per week.
Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter – your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.