When it comes to Centrelink and the Australian welfare system, most people play by the rules—after all, we know how important it is to keep things within the law.

But every now and then, a story comes along that leaves us shaking our heads and wondering how on earth someone managed to slip through the cracks for so long.


The latest jaw-dropper is the case of Dezi Freeman—a name that’s been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Freeman, a self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen' who reportedly refused to recognise the authority of the government, is now accused of a shocking crime spree, including the fatal shooting of two detectives in Victoria.

But before this dramatic turn, neighbours say he spent more than 20 years quietly collecting a disability pension from Centrelink.


According to neighbours and relatives, Freeman had been receiving a disability pension 'every week' for over two decades.

One Myrtleford local, who preferred to remain anonymous, summed up the frustration many feel: 'He never worked, never had any money … that’s what used to s*** me too because he was so against the government, but then got his Centrelink cheque every week.'

A relative confirmed the story, saying Freeman had been on benefits for years, though the exact reason for his eligibility was unclear.


The only health complaint anyone could recall was a sore tooth, though it’s been suggested he may have struggled with mental health issues in recent years.

For many Australians—especially those who’ve spent a lifetime working hard and paying taxes—stories like this can be infuriating.

The disability support pension is a vital safety net for those who genuinely need it, but it’s also a system that relies on honesty and proper oversight.

If you’ve ever applied for the Disability Support Pension (DSP), you’ll know it’s no walk in the park.

The process involves medical assessments, paperwork, and often long waiting periods. Centrelink requires evidence of a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working at least 15 hours per week.

So how did Freeman manage to stay on the books for so long? It’s a question many are now asking, and it highlights the challenges Centrelink faces in monitoring long-term recipients—especially those with conditions that are hard to verify or fluctuate over time.

Freeman’s story is made even stranger by his self-identification as a 'sovereign citizen'—a fringe movement whose members claim they’re not subject to government laws or authority.

Ironically, while Freeman reportedly railed against the government, he was happy to accept its financial support.

This contradiction isn’t lost on his neighbours, who watched him collect his Centrelink payments while refusing to participate in the rest of society.

Freeman’s story took a dark turn when he became the subject of a massive manhunt, accused of killing two police officers as they attempted to serve a warrant for alleged historic child sex offences.

The search for Freeman has now drawn in hundreds of police and even the Australian Defence Force, with aerial surveillance and planning specialists combing the rugged bushland around Mount Buffalo National Park.

Authorities believe Freeman, an experienced bushman, may be receiving help from someone on the outside.

There’s even speculation he could be hiding in one of Victoria’s thousands of old mine shafts or in a makeshift underground bunker—places that are notoriously difficult to search.

If you’re doing the right thing, you have nothing to worry about. But if you know someone who’s rorting the system, it’s worth remembering that these cases can have real consequences—not just for the individual, but for everyone who relies on the safety net.

At the end of the day, the welfare system is built on trust. Most Australians who receive the DSP or other Centrelink payments do so because they genuinely need help.

However, when someone abuses the system, it undermines public confidence and can lead to calls for stricter rules that make life harder for everyone.
Have you ever had a frustrating experience with Centrelink, or do you know someone who’s struggled to get the support they need? What do you think should be done to prevent cases like this from slipping through the cracks? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

Read more: Aussie's shocking discovery in fast food favourite sparks unexpected ordeal