Emma Rose Duke 32, of Freemantle Road, appeared before magistrate Catherine Follent on Monday to answer a charge of receiving financial advantage of a Commonwealth entity.

Solicitor for the Commonwealth, Ms Hough, who appeared via telephone, told the court Duke had defrauded the Commonwealth of $14,997 over a 13-month period.

Over 29 reporting fortnights Duke underestimated her income in what was described as clear, deliberate and sustained behaviour over a period of time.

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Ms Hough told the court that during the period of offending, Duke had earned $61,991.

Facts handed to the court told how she had only declared $23,621. As a result she received $15,699 from the Commonwealth when she was only entitled to $702.

The offence was detected by data matching within the Australian Taxation Office.

Duke's solicitor, Mr Angelovski, submitted three character testimonials to the court.

One described the accused as being trustworthy, prompting Ms Follent to ask if its author "had been briefed with the statement of facts in the matter?".

After asking his client the question, Mr Angelovski conceded "no, your honour".

In sentencing Duke, Ms Follent said the accused entered a plea of guilty on the second occasion and was entitled to a discount of 20 per cent on sentencing.

She described Duke's behaviour as calculated and sustained, and the amount defrauded from the Commonwealth as "not insignificant".

While Duke's criminal history was not unblemished, Ms Follent noted there were no other matters of dishonestly. She said while Duke's referees spoke highly of her, they didn't appear to be aware of the offence.

Duke was convicted, fined $2000 and placed on a two-year community correction order. She must complete 150 hours of community service.