A former QBE workers’ compensation service manager is awaiting sentencing after admitting stealing more than $300,000.

Keira Meldrum Robinson’s actions were exposed when the insurer’s WA head of workers’ compensation claims raised concerns with a senior manager in group investigations, triggering an internal inquiry.  

She pleaded guilty to one charge at a magistrates’ court on June 17, and a preliminary sentencing hearing is listed for December 12 in Perth. 

Robinson was a service manager in the QBE workers’ compensation claims team from October 2019 to December last year, a Supreme Court asset freezing hearing was told earlier this year.

The Supreme Court heard Robinson had reopened paid claims, did not attach supporting documents such as invoices and did not record file notes with explanations. Funds were paid to accounts held by her, or to her benefit, it was alleged.

Prosecutors told the June magistrates’ court hearing that 15 charges were being discontinued. The single charge to which Robinson pleaded guilty was that on December 15 2022 in Perth, she stole $333,416 through her employment with QBE.

The company told insuranceNEWS.com.au it took immediate action once aware of the matter, including the internal investigation and informing police.

“QBE takes ethical conduct very seriously and we have no tolerance for fraudulent behaviour,” a spokesperson said. “This individual’s actions do not reflect QBE’s values, and we continuously enhance our internal controls to prevent and quickly detect such incidents.”

The freezing order decision is available here.

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