Have you ever had to navigate the maze of government services such as Centrelink? If you have, you know it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

But what if, on top of that, you were also faced with a Centrelink debt that you needed to repay? That could quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to turn for help when you’re unknowingly being rorted.

However, changes are coming that could make repaying Centrelink debts much more manageable.

The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, bringing much-needed relief to those struggling with the burdensome system.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten recently revealed that outsourcing welfare payment debt collection will end on June 30.

Centrelink will take responsibility for debt collection instead of outsourcing it to third-party companies. Credit: Shutterstock.

This means that those with Centrelink debts won’t be at the mercy of third-party debt collectors and can put their trust in the agency’s in-house debt-recovery team.

'We have to look at the reality of who is affected – it’s often very vulnerable Australians, people who have gotten on government payments in the first place because they are at a vulnerable time in their lives,' Shorten remarked.

He said that the process of raising debts should be done in a humane manner, taking into account the difficult circumstances in which many people find themselves.

Shorten continued: ‘We have to stop giving their information to private companies and ensure the debt-recovery process is lawful, fair and transparent.’

‘The Royal Commission into [the] Robodebt [Scheme] has put on full display the unfettered cruelty with which debt-collection agencies were unleashed against vulnerable Australians. We cannot let this happen again.’

According to Shorten, the Australian government prioritises protecting Australians from being exploited while holding accountable those who try to cheat the system.

Services Australia aims to handle the debt-recovery process transparently to achieve this goal and utilise all available tools.

He said: ‘We are not naïve to the fact that, wherever there is government money, there will be some opportunistic behaviour - but Centrelink is already fully capable of recovering debts and has multiple tools at hand.’

‘However, the power to raise lawful debts against citizens needs to be exercised judiciously and at every stage afford citizens the right of reply and not reverse the onus of proof from the government to the individual.’

‘Government should never start from the position that the existence of an alleged debt means the citizen is guilty until proven innocent.’

From June 30, Centrelink will be in contact with those who have outstanding debt and help them make the necessary transition.

'Flexible repayment options, short-term counselling, information and referrals to support systems may be provided,' said Shorten.

While some Australians expressed concerns about how the lengthy wait times for accessing welfare services could get longer given that Centrelink will have more workload following the change, Shorten has reassured the public that the agency is well-prepared to handle any additional workload resulting from the proposed changes.

‘The expense previously attributed to the use of these debt collectors will be diverted to Centrelink in-house capacity. So, we believe that'll cover the cost of additional agency staff for debt-recovery activities,’ he added.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, ending the outsourcing of welfare payment debts to third-party debt collectors on June 30.
• Government Services Minister Bill Shorten stated that this change aims to make the debt-recovery process lawful, fair, and transparent, prioritising the protection of vulnerable Australians.
• Centrelink will handle the debt-recovery process transparently and utilise all available tools for recovering debts while also providing flexible repayment options and other support to those affected.
• Shorten reassured the public that Centrelink is well-prepared to handle the additional workload resulting from these changes, with the expense previously attributed to debt collectors being diverted to the agency.

So, there you have it, folks! It's important to stay informed about the changes to Centrelink and how they may impact you.

If you think you may be affected and need to repay a debt, please contact Centrelink for guidance and assistance.

What are your thoughts on these major changes? Do you think it’s high time for Centrelink to take responsibility for debt collection?

 

[Glo72]

Personally I have never owed Centrelink money but one of my daughters received a a robodebt letter stating she owed them money. She proved that at the time she was working and wasn’t on Centrelink benefits. She was one of the lucky ones. I am glad that changes are being made and people won’t have to deal with rude and unfeeling debt collectors.

 

[terri]

Badly handled and executed. A third party should never have been appointed and a more thorough check should have been done before these letters were sent out. I too am lucky I never had this stress. I feel for those who do.

 

[joan shirley]

Have you ever had to navigate the maze of government services such as Centrelink? If you have, you know it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

But what if, on top of that, you were also faced with a Centrelink debt that you needed to repay? That could quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to turn for help when you’re unknowingly being rorted.

However, changes are coming that could make repaying Centrelink debts much more manageable.

The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, bringing much-needed relief to those struggling with the burdensome system.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten recently revealed that outsourcing welfare payment debt collection will end on June 30.

View attachment 17646

Centrelink will take responsibility for debt collection instead of outsourcing it to third-party companies. Credit: Shutterstock.

This means that those with Centrelink debts won’t be at the mercy of third-party debt collectors and can put their trust in the agency’s in-house debt-recovery team.

'We have to look at the reality of who is affected – it’s often very vulnerable Australians, people who have gotten on government payments in the first place because they are at a vulnerable time in their lives,' Shorten remarked.

He said that the process of raising debts should be done in a humane manner, taking into account the difficult circumstances in which many people find themselves.

Shorten continued: ‘We have to stop giving their information to private companies and ensure the debt-recovery process is lawful, fair and transparent.’

‘The Royal Commission into [the] Robodebt [Scheme] has put on full display the unfettered cruelty with which debt-collection agencies were unleashed against vulnerable Australians. We cannot let this happen again.’

According to Shorten, the Australian government prioritises protecting Australians from being exploited while holding accountable those who try to cheat the system.

Services Australia aims to handle the debt-recovery process transparently to achieve this goal and utilise all available tools.

He said: ‘We are not naïve to the fact that, wherever there is government money, there will be some opportunistic behaviour - but Centrelink is already fully capable of recovering debts and has multiple tools at hand.’

‘However, the power to raise lawful debts against citizens needs to be exercised judiciously and at every stage afford citizens the right of reply and not reverse the onus of proof from the government to the individual.’

‘Government should never start from the position that the existence of an alleged debt means the citizen is guilty until proven innocent.’

From June 30, Centrelink will be in contact with those who have outstanding debt and help them make the necessary transition.

'Flexible repayment options, short-term counselling, information and referrals to support systems may be provided,' said Shorten.

While some Australians expressed concerns about how the lengthy wait times for accessing welfare services could get longer given that Centrelink will have more workload following the change, Shorten has reassured the public that the agency is well-prepared to handle any additional workload resulting from the proposed changes.

‘The expense previously attributed to the use of these debt collectors will be diverted to Centrelink in-house capacity. So, we believe that'll cover the cost of additional agency staff for debt-recovery activities,’ he added.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, ending the outsourcing of welfare payment debts to third-party debt collectors on June 30.
• Government Services Minister Bill Shorten stated that this change aims to make the debt-recovery process lawful, fair, and transparent, prioritising the protection of vulnerable Australians.
• Centrelink will handle the debt-recovery process transparently and utilise all available tools for recovering debts while also providing flexible repayment options and other support to those affected.
• Shorten reassured the public that Centrelink is well-prepared to handle the additional workload resulting from these changes, with the expense previously attributed to debt collectors being diverted to the agency.

So, there you have it, folks! It's important to stay informed about the changes to Centrelink and how they may impact you.

If you think you may be affected and need to repay a debt, please contact Centrelink for guidance and assistance.

What are your thoughts on these major changes? Do you think it’s high time for Centrelink to take responsibility for debt collection?

Than you for your information, it is helpful for people who do not understand things with centrelink.

 

[Georgie27]

I don't think that Centrelink knows or understands what Centrelink does.

 

[Pims]

Have you ever had to navigate the maze of government services such as Centrelink? If you have, you know it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

But what if, on top of that, you were also faced with a Centrelink debt that you needed to repay? That could quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to turn for help when you’re unknowingly being rorted.

However, changes are coming that could make repaying Centrelink debts much more manageable.

The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, bringing much-needed relief to those struggling with the burdensome system.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten recently revealed that outsourcing welfare payment debt collection will end on June 30.

View attachment 17646

Centrelink will take responsibility for debt collection instead of outsourcing it to third-party companies. Credit: Shutterstock.

This means that those with Centrelink debts won’t be at the mercy of third-party debt collectors and can put their trust in the agency’s in-house debt-recovery team.

'We have to look at the reality of who is affected – it’s often very vulnerable Australians, people who have gotten on government payments in the first place because they are at a vulnerable time in their lives,' Shorten remarked.

He said that the process of raising debts should be done in a humane manner, taking into account the difficult circumstances in which many people find themselves.

Shorten continued: ‘We have to stop giving their information to private companies and ensure the debt-recovery process is lawful, fair and transparent.’

‘The Royal Commission into [the] Robodebt [Scheme] has put on full display the unfettered cruelty with which debt-collection agencies were unleashed against vulnerable Australians. We cannot let this happen again.’

According to Shorten, the Australian government prioritises protecting Australians from being exploited while holding accountable those who try to cheat the system.

Services Australia aims to handle the debt-recovery process transparently to achieve this goal and utilise all available tools.

He said: ‘We are not naïve to the fact that, wherever there is government money, there will be some opportunistic behaviour - but Centrelink is already fully capable of recovering debts and has multiple tools at hand.’

‘However, the power to raise lawful debts against citizens needs to be exercised judiciously and at every stage afford citizens the right of reply and not reverse the onus of proof from the government to the individual.’

‘Government should never start from the position that the existence of an alleged debt means the citizen is guilty until proven innocent.’

From June 30, Centrelink will be in contact with those who have outstanding debt and help them make the necessary transition.

'Flexible repayment options, short-term counselling, information and referrals to support systems may be provided,' said Shorten.

While some Australians expressed concerns about how the lengthy wait times for accessing welfare services could get longer given that Centrelink will have more workload following the change, Shorten has reassured the public that the agency is well-prepared to handle any additional workload resulting from the proposed changes.

‘The expense previously attributed to the use of these debt collectors will be diverted to Centrelink in-house capacity. So, we believe that'll cover the cost of additional agency staff for debt-recovery activities,’ he added.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, ending the outsourcing of welfare payment debts to third-party debt collectors on June 30.
• Government Services Minister Bill Shorten stated that this change aims to make the debt-recovery process lawful, fair, and transparent, prioritising the protection of vulnerable Australians.
• Centrelink will handle the debt-recovery process transparently and utilise all available tools for recovering debts while also providing flexible repayment options and other support to those affected.
• Shorten reassured the public that Centrelink is well-prepared to handle the additional workload resulting from these changes, with the expense previously attributed to debt collectors being diverted to the agency.

So, there you have it, folks! It's important to stay informed about the changes to Centrelink and how they may impact you.

If you think you may be affected and need to repay a debt, please contact Centrelink for guidance and assistance.

What are your thoughts on these major changes? Do you think it’s high time for Centrelink to take responsibility for debt collection?

There is no way in this lifetime we will ever trust ANY department of Centrelink, let alone the Debt Recovery department. Last year a member of staff created a false debt against my partner by entering an incorrect code. A debt was also raised against me as apparently between 2016 - 2019, I received too much Australian pension as I had elected to have my super paid out monthly. All relevant details were told to the appropriate people at Centrelink at the outset in 2016, and I had no contact with them until the letter in 2022 stating I owed $723! It took from July to December last year to resolve this matter. In that time they took, without any advisement of any description $184 out of my partner’s Jobseekers Allowance. My partner has doctors certificates, which are uploaded each time to his mygov account. Our doctor has told my partner there is no chance he will be able to resume his work as a Disability Support Worker with high needs teens. He has asked for retrenchment to assist with finding alternative employment as he is now limited due to bulging discs and constant pain.
The period of time that the debt department claim that he was overpaid by $1,200 plus, he was actually working and not on any benefits at all. In August of 2021 he developed pneumonia, pleurisy and heart failure.
We attend our local office for explanations and advice - basically told to upload documents to accounts - this, we were informed, will only take half an hour - we asked if they would scan the documents for us as we had gone prepared. Told no that it’s a simple process. Once home I started this “implement process” and 6 hours later I had managed to upload all relevant information and then some. Because they want it in certain format, the process was very lengthy and involved. I’m far from a computer expert but can find my way round things, and, in the end, had to revert to way we do my partners medical certificate, take a ok

Have you ever had to navigate the maze of government services such as Centrelink? If you have, you know it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

But what if, on top of that, you were also faced with a Centrelink debt that you needed to repay? That could quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to turn for help when you’re unknowingly being rorted.

However, changes are coming that could make repaying Centrelink debts much more manageable.

The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, bringing much-needed relief to those struggling with the burdensome system.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten recently revealed that outsourcing welfare payment debt collection will end on June 30.

View attachment 17646

Centrelink will take responsibility for debt collection instead of outsourcing it to third-party companies. Credit: Shutterstock.

This means that those with Centrelink debts won’t be at the mercy of third-party debt collectors and can put their trust in the agency’s in-house debt-recovery team.

'We have to look at the reality of who is affected – it’s often very vulnerable Australians, people who have gotten on government payments in the first place because they are at a vulnerable time in their lives,' Shorten remarked.

He said that the process of raising debts should be done in a humane manner, taking into account the difficult circumstances in which many people find themselves.

Shorten continued: ‘We have to stop giving their information to private companies and ensure the debt-recovery process is lawful, fair and transparent.’

‘The Royal Commission into [the] Robodebt [Scheme] has put on full display the unfettered cruelty with which debt-collection agencies were unleashed against vulnerable Australians. We cannot let this happen again.’

According to Shorten, the Australian government prioritises protecting Australians from being exploited while holding accountable those who try to cheat the system.

Services Australia aims to handle the debt-recovery process transparently to achieve this goal and utilise all available tools.

He said: ‘We are not naïve to the fact that, wherever there is government money, there will be some opportunistic behaviour - but Centrelink is already fully capable of recovering debts and has multiple tools at hand.’

‘However, the power to raise lawful debts against citizens needs to be exercised judiciously and at every stage afford citizens the right of reply and not reverse the onus of proof from the government to the individual.’

‘Government should never start from the position that the existence of an alleged debt means the citizen is guilty until proven innocent.’

From June 30, Centrelink will be in contact with those who have outstanding debt and help them make the necessary transition.

'Flexible repayment options, short-term counselling, information and referrals to support systems may be provided,' said Shorten.

While some Australians expressed concerns about how the lengthy wait times for accessing welfare services could get longer given that Centrelink will have more workload following the change, Shorten has reassured the public that the agency is well-prepared to handle any additional workload resulting from the proposed changes.

‘The expense previously attributed to the use of these debt collectors will be diverted to Centrelink in-house capacity. So, we believe that'll cover the cost of additional agency staff for debt-recovery activities,’ he added.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, ending the outsourcing of welfare payment debts to third-party debt collectors on June 30.
• Government Services Minister Bill Shorten stated that this change aims to make the debt-recovery process lawful, fair, and transparent, prioritising the protection of vulnerable Australians.
• Centrelink will handle the debt-recovery process transparently and utilise all available tools for recovering debts while also providing flexible repayment options and other support to those affected.
• Shorten reassured the public that Centrelink is well-prepared to handle the additional workload resulting from these changes, with the expense previously attributed to debt collectors being diverted to the agency.

So, there you have it, folks! It's important to stay informed about the changes to Centrelink and how they may impact you.

If you think you may be affected and need to repay a debt, please contact Centrelink for guidance and assistance.

What are your thoughts on these major changes? Do you think it’s high time for Centrelink to take responsibility for debt collection?

We would never trust any Centrelink department. Last year my partner developed sciatica, bursitis and bulging discs and has not been able to work at his job as a Disability Support worker with high needs teens. As there is no longer any Sickness Benefit, he receives Jobseeker Allowance - at a very reduced rate as I have the audacity to be in receipt of both the Australian and UK pensions - obviously I am rolling in it.
Last June, I received a letter stating I had been overpaid by $723 between 2016 - 2019. This period of time I had had meetings with my super fund people as I'd had to retire early due to work place injury. Folling all advice from my advisor, I nominated the amount to be paid monthly and, still following the advice, I contacted the relevant department at Centrelink and gave them evry detail and also forwarding paperwork. Nothing further from them and the last payment was mid August 2019.
The following week after I received the allegation of overpayment, my partner received one stating he'd been overpaid $1,265 in 2021. The time period they quoted was in fact when my partner was not on any benefits whatsoever, although in August 2021 he developed pneumonia, pleurisy and heart failure!
We attended the local office for advice, told upload whatever documents you have to prove we didn't owe - sked if they could scan and forward for us as had gone more than prepared, no as only takes half hour to do and they were somewhat busy. Home and 6 hours later i finally uploaded final document - they require if all done in a certain format and as I'm no IT expert I had to do this best way I knew how.
2 weeks later $184 was taken from my partners Jobseeker Allowance -called, explanation of appealing claims, money repaid by next day. Over the next 5 months, there wasn't a week that passed where I wasn't on the phone trying to resolve this whole issue for both of us. The stress and depression was massive - not only the false allegations but my partners health - gone from never ever being ill to 2 major health and life changing health issues in the space of a year - and dealing with this - as calm and laid back as he is, he saw how this was all affecting me as well. We were referred to a social worker - she investigated, and we finally had some logic! Still no explanation as to my alleged overpayment, but my partners alleged overpayment was put on his account by a staff member in the DEBT DEPARTMENT entering a false code.
Within 3 days, both debts had been voided. Although a huge relief, we have not had a single explanation - other than the one related to incorrect code entered by staff member, no apology, nothing!
I ended up seeing a psychiatrist, my partner had a few issues that fortunately were picked up very quickly by our doctor and his cardiologist.
Like many older Australians we are struggling as it is, private rental, and usual bills. I receive the 2 pensions, but do not receive the full Australian pension. My UK pension is ependent on exchange rate, my Australian pension is determined by interest rate of UK pension and partners Jobseeker is determined by my combined "income", so basically, neither of us receives the full rate of any Australian benefit.
Centrelink needs a serious overhaul and the Australian government needs to review the pension and dispose of the legislation that means they can pay us less if we dare to have a foreign pension. Anyone receiving the UK pension when residing out of the UK, only gets the basic, and, will never receive any increases, or bonuses that they would receive if residing in the UK.
Why are so many seniors forced to scrabble around to survive due to the Australian ruling of pension payments. Of course I'm grateful to receive 2 pensions, but we are just about holding it together - as are so many others. At this time, once I have paid the $660 a fortnight rent, I am left with just under $200 to pay all the bills and get food. The UK pension, fortunately helps, but we cannot save anything. My partners Jobseeker pays the car payments, insurance, registration, service and fuel - he puts aside amounts each fortnight. We know the next service will be costly as he couldn't get all things that need doing - he is very mindful of getting the car serviced - a second hand car - and takes care ot it. But rising costs are impacting so many.
Centrelink, with it's Robodebt allegations, caused many to take their own lives, lost their homes and more. 99.9% of the allegations were false - too little - too late has been done and this latest declaration , for us, is just a slap in the face and mindless drivel. There should never have been a Robodebt in the first place - yes - we had Robodebt allegations as well - fortunately we could prove we were working at the time ! How much of the Robodebt is due to a staff member/s entering incorrect coding?
An overhaul of legislation concerning pension payments and other benefits is needed - NOW! The prescribed "remedy" will increase others applications for pensions/benefits. Counselling offered by Centrelink - yes - not going to happen as they are already understaffed - we waited a month after requesting to speak with a social worker. They do not have the staff or the capability to assist people. You go to the local office and wait for ages only to have to discuss your private matter in public with the staff member speaking loudly. When you do sit down with a staff member - they basically, for the most part, reiteate what you've probably been told over the phone ater 2 hours on hold to speak with a human being. Then they send you on your way to uplaod documents yourself to your mygov account. There is no one area at a local office solely and wholly for pensioners - and as an ever growing number - that is very much needed.
Sorry for the ramble - just get so infuriated at the blasé attitude and kudos expected from the government because they have extended platitudes and a "solution" to an ever increasing issue.
Thanks for reading and for your time.

 

[Arevalo08]

I agree with every statement you have made this government is a pure joke! It seems the citizens who have worked their whole lives to keep this country going with our hard well earned tax dollars, and who weren’t lucky enough to make a … fortune …. During their working life, are being treated badly forgotten about and pretty much thrown to the roadside! Both sides of our government are just as useless as one another until there is a big overhaul of the whole system this crap will go on

 

[Juney61]

I agree with everything you say, its just one big joke to everyone but us on the receiving end of this debacle of a department.
I havnt worked for 5.5 years because of injuries after a 5 tonne truck smashed into me whilst I was stationary at red light. Ive not beenthe same person since , but though and behold you try to get a DSP , no they put you on Jobseeker, aimed at people who can look for work , been like this for last 5.5 years then was told my payment will be cancelled as you can't be on Jobseeker with Medical Certificates more than 11 months..... WELL WHY HAVE YOUS KEPT ME ON THIS PAYMENT FOR 5.5 YEARS, NOONE COULD ANSWER ME, so now I'm back through the application process of applying for DSP for the 3rd time, my mental health is so bad.
I do have a debt which I was paying back when I was working , I truly struggle to pay anything atm as I have private rental after being homeless which is $700 a FN , by time bills come out there is nothing left for food, fuel, rego and other essential items but I still have to wait 2 hours on debt line , which includes the 1st person saying she is not qualified and I need to be put through to specialist financial team, more waiting time to tell them nothing has changed, which if they looked at my case online they would see this themselves ... this pushes mental health to PTSD and one day it will not be a good outcome for me.
Someone in the government needs to speak to the real people this affects as I cant take much more of it.

 

[Ezzy]

There is no way in this lifetime we will ever trust ANY department of Centrelink, let alone the Debt Recovery department. Last year a member of staff created a false debt against my partner by entering an incorrect code. A debt was also raised against me as apparently between 2016 - 2019, I received too much Australian pension as I had elected to have my super paid out monthly. All relevant details were told to the appropriate people at Centrelink at the outset in 2016, and I had no contact with them until the letter in 2022 stating I owed $723! It took from July to December last year to resolve this matter. In that time they took, without any advisement of any description $184 out of my partner’s Jobseekers Allowance. My partner has doctors certificates, which are uploaded each time to his mygov account. Our doctor has told my partner there is no chance he will be able to resume his work as a Disability Support Worker with high needs teens. He has asked for retrenchment to assist with finding alternative employment as he is now limited due to bulging discs and constant pain.
The period of time that the debt department claim that he was overpaid by $1,200 plus, he was actually working and not on any benefits at all. In August of 2021 he developed pneumonia, pleurisy and heart failure.
We attend our local office for explanations and advice - basically told to upload documents to accounts - this, we were informed, will only take half an hour - we asked if they would scan the documents for us as we had gone prepared. Told no that it’s a simple process. Once home I started this “implement process” and 6 hours later I had managed to upload all relevant information and then some. Because they want it in certain format, the process was very lengthy and involved. I’m far from a computer expert but can find my way round things, and, in the end, had to revert to way we do my partners medical certificate, take a ok

We would never trust any Centrelink department. Last year my partner developed sciatica, bursitis and bulging discs and has not been able to work at his job as a Disability Support worker with high needs teens. As there is no longer any Sickness Benefit, he receives Jobseeker Allowance - at a very reduced rate as I have the audacity to be in receipt of both the Australian and UK pensions - obviously I am rolling in it.
Last June, I received a letter stating I had been overpaid by $723 between 2016 - 2019. This period of time I had had meetings with my super fund people as I'd had to retire early due to work place injury. Folling all advice from my advisor, I nominated the amount to be paid monthly and, still following the advice, I contacted the relevant department at Centrelink and gave them evry detail and also forwarding paperwork. Nothing further from them and the last payment was mid August 2019.
The following week after I received the allegation of overpayment, my partner received one stating he'd been overpaid $1,265 in 2021. The time period they quoted was in fact when my partner was not on any benefits whatsoever, although in August 2021 he developed pneumonia, pleurisy and heart failure!
We attended the local office for advice, told upload whatever documents you have to prove we didn't owe - sked if they could scan and forward for us as had gone more than prepared, no as only takes half hour to do and they were somewhat busy. Home and 6 hours later i finally uploaded final document - they require if all done in a certain format and as I'm no IT expert I had to do this best way I knew how.
2 weeks later $184 was taken from my partners Jobseeker Allowance -called, explanation of appealing claims, money repaid by next day. Over the next 5 months, there wasn't a week that passed where I wasn't on the phone trying to resolve this whole issue for both of us. The stress and depression was massive - not only the false allegations but my partners health - gone from never ever being ill to 2 major health and life changing health issues in the space of a year - and dealing with this - as calm and laid back as he is, he saw how this was all affecting me as well. We were referred to a social worker - she investigated, and we finally had some logic! Still no explanation as to my alleged overpayment, but my partners alleged overpayment was put on his account by a staff member in the DEBT DEPARTMENT entering a false code.
Within 3 days, both debts had been voided. Although a huge relief, we have not had a single explanation - other than the one related to incorrect code entered by staff member, no apology, nothing!
I ended up seeing a psychiatrist, my partner had a few issues that fortunately were picked up very quickly by our doctor and his cardiologist.
Like many older Australians we are struggling as it is, private rental, and usual bills. I receive the 2 pensions, but do not receive the full Australian pension. My UK pension is ependent on exchange rate, my Australian pension is determined by interest rate of UK pension and partners Jobseeker is determined by my combined "income", so basically, neither of us receives the full rate of any Australian benefit.
Centrelink needs a serious overhaul and the Australian government needs to review the pension and dispose of the legislation that means they can pay us less if we dare to have a foreign pension. Anyone receiving the UK pension when residing out of the UK, only gets the basic, and, will never receive any increases, or bonuses that they would receive if residing in the UK.
Why are so many seniors forced to scrabble around to survive due to the Australian ruling of pension payments. Of course I'm grateful to receive 2 pensions, but we are just about holding it together - as are so many others. At this time, once I have paid the $660 a fortnight rent, I am left with just under $200 to pay all the bills and get food. The UK pension, fortunately helps, but we cannot save anything. My partners Jobseeker pays the car payments, insurance, registration, service and fuel - he puts aside amounts each fortnight. We know the next service will be costly as he couldn't get all things that need doing - he is very mindful of getting the car serviced - a second hand car - and takes care ot it. But rising costs are impacting so many.
Centrelink, with it's Robodebt allegations, caused many to take their own lives, lost their homes and more. 99.9% of the allegations were false - too little - too late has been done and this latest declaration , for us, is just a slap in the face and mindless drivel. There should never have been a Robodebt in the first place - yes - we had Robodebt allegations as well - fortunately we could prove we were working at the time ! How much of the Robodebt is due to a staff member/s entering incorrect coding?
An overhaul of legislation concerning pension payments and other benefits is needed - NOW! The prescribed "remedy" will increase others applications for pensions/benefits. Counselling offered by Centrelink - yes - not going to happen as they are already understaffed - we waited a month after requesting to speak with a social worker. They do not have the staff or the capability to assist people. You go to the local office and wait for ages only to have to discuss your private matter in public with the staff member speaking loudly. When you do sit down with a staff member - they basically, for the most part, reiteate what you've probably been told over the phone ater 2 hours on hold to speak with a human being. Then they send you on your way to uplaod documents yourself to your mygov account. There is no one area at a local office solely and wholly for pensioners - and as an ever growing number - that is very much needed.
Sorry for the ramble - just get so infuriated at the blasé attitude and kudos expected from the government because they have extended platitudes and a "solution" to an ever increasing issue.
Thanks for reading and for your time.

No need to apologise for your lengthy explanation here. I am sure many of us pensioners are aware of some of the problems caused by Centrelink but not all of them. You & your partner have been through a lot of unnecessary b.s. over a long period of time because someone made an error, none caused by yourselves. Thankyou for taking time to explain this. I am glad this has finally been sorted but not without many problems.

I am unable to understand why the Centrelink person could not have uploaded the info required to sort this problem which @ Pims had at the time, unless of course that person had no idea how to achieve this task. These people are suppose to help us not hinder.

We are aware there are many people on benefits rorting the system but not all of us. Instead of 'shooting first & asking questions later', the Govt. should have been more sensitive to people's feelings before this point in time. Farming debt collection out to a third party was a very poor decision indeed. Fortunately l have never been in a position where l was overpaid by Centrelink either.

 

[LynneM]

No need to apologise for your lengthy explanation here. I am sure many of us pensioners are aware of some of the problems caused by Centrelink but not all of them. You & your partner have been through a lot of unnecessary b.s. over a long period of time because someone made an error, none caused by yourselves. Thankyou for taking time to explain this. I am glad this has finally been sorted but not without many problems.

I am unable to understand why the Centrelink person could not have uploaded the info required to sort this problem which @ Pims had at the time, unless of course that person had no idea how to achieve this task. These people are suppose to help us not hinder.

We are aware there are many people on benefits rorting the system but not all of us. Instead of 'shooting first & asking questions later', the Govt. should have been more sensitive to people's feelings before this point in time. Farming debt collection out to a third party was a very poor decision indeed. Fortunately l have never been in a position where l was overpaid by Centrelink either.

Centrelink will not do anything much over the counter anymore, relying on Mygov more and more. My partner just on Jobseeker was not getting rent relief so we took the rental form into Centrelink. No, they would not photocopy it or anything, and told us to go home and upload it on his MyGov page......WTF!! I am the more computer savvy person, so I did this, after working out how to, Im a senior so not that good!!!Finally sent it off. It took Centrelink around 4 months to see it !!!!! He did receive a backpayment for it, but how long does it take for them to see something downloaded on a persons page, I would love to know. Considering it would have been put straight through, when we actually went in person to Centrelink. Is it just lazy workers or does this happen to everyone now. Does everyone have to have a computer now and access to wi-fi?????

 

[Isis]

Have you ever had to navigate the maze of government services such as Centrelink? If you have, you know it can be frustrating and time-consuming.

But what if, on top of that, you were also faced with a Centrelink debt that you needed to repay? That could quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to turn for help when you’re unknowingly being rorted.

However, changes are coming that could make repaying Centrelink debts much more manageable.

The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, bringing much-needed relief to those struggling with the burdensome system.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten recently revealed that outsourcing welfare payment debt collection will end on June 30.

View attachment 17646

Centrelink will take responsibility for debt collection instead of outsourcing it to third-party companies. Credit: Shutterstock.

This means that those with Centrelink debts won’t be at the mercy of third-party debt collectors and can put their trust in the agency’s in-house debt-recovery team.

'We have to look at the reality of who is affected – it’s often very vulnerable Australians, people who have gotten on government payments in the first place because they are at a vulnerable time in their lives,' Shorten remarked.

He said that the process of raising debts should be done in a humane manner, taking into account the difficult circumstances in which many people find themselves.

Shorten continued: ‘We have to stop giving their information to private companies and ensure the debt-recovery process is lawful, fair and transparent.’

‘The Royal Commission into [the] Robodebt [Scheme] has put on full display the unfettered cruelty with which debt-collection agencies were unleashed against vulnerable Australians. We cannot let this happen again.’

According to Shorten, the Australian government prioritises protecting Australians from being exploited while holding accountable those who try to cheat the system.

Services Australia aims to handle the debt-recovery process transparently to achieve this goal and utilise all available tools.

He said: ‘We are not naïve to the fact that, wherever there is government money, there will be some opportunistic behaviour - but Centrelink is already fully capable of recovering debts and has multiple tools at hand.’

‘However, the power to raise lawful debts against citizens needs to be exercised judiciously and at every stage afford citizens the right of reply and not reverse the onus of proof from the government to the individual.’

‘Government should never start from the position that the existence of an alleged debt means the citizen is guilty until proven innocent.’

From June 30, Centrelink will be in contact with those who have outstanding debt and help them make the necessary transition.

'Flexible repayment options, short-term counselling, information and referrals to support systems may be provided,' said Shorten.

While some Australians expressed concerns about how the lengthy wait times for accessing welfare services could get longer given that Centrelink will have more workload following the change, Shorten has reassured the public that the agency is well-prepared to handle any additional workload resulting from the proposed changes.

‘The expense previously attributed to the use of these debt collectors will be diverted to Centrelink in-house capacity. So, we believe that'll cover the cost of additional agency staff for debt-recovery activities,’ he added.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of how Centrelink debts are managed, ending the outsourcing of welfare payment debts to third-party debt collectors on June 30.
• Government Services Minister Bill Shorten stated that this change aims to make the debt-recovery process lawful, fair, and transparent, prioritising the protection of vulnerable Australians.
• Centrelink will handle the debt-recovery process transparently and utilise all available tools for recovering debts while also providing flexible repayment options and other support to those affected.
• Shorten reassured the public that Centrelink is well-prepared to handle the additional workload resulting from these changes, with the expense previously attributed to debt collectors being diverted to the agency.

So, there you have it, folks! It's important to stay informed about the changes to Centrelink and how they may impact you.

If you think you may be affected and need to repay a debt, please contact Centrelink for guidance and assistance.

What are your thoughts on these major changes? Do you think it’s high time for Centrelink to take responsibility for debt collection?

Cruelty was a true word here. Many years ago when my husband passed away, the paperwork was horrendous, Centrelink sorted my pension, after a few years I was horrified to hear that I had been overpaid to the tune of $21000.!!!! First I cried my eyes out picturing a mortgage happening on our home.
After a talk to some really lovely people who were so sorry for me and did what they could to help me deal with it, A small amount each month made it doable and nearly paid 18 years later.

 

[biribo]

Good, perhaps now they'll get rid of these blood sucking third party Job centres and bring back the Commonwealth Employment Service. It was more efficient and placed a lot more people in jobs and not put people through useless 'training programs' that have very little or no outcome.
They also need to stop treating people as welfare bludgers when the majority genuinely want to work. A lot of employers are to blame also especially the ones who hold back super and other employee entitledmets.

 

[Milica]

Cruelty was a true word here. Many years ago when my husband passed away, the paperwork was horrendous, Centrelink sorted my pension, after a few years I was horrified to hear that I had been overpaid to the tune of $21000.!!!! First I cried my eyes out picturing a mortgage happening on our home.
After a talk to some really lovely people who were so sorry for me and did what they could to help me deal with it, A small amount each month made it doable and nearly paid 18 years later.

I am not sure why we should have to pay for mistakes that centrelink has made! I do hope the mistake that centrelink made was then at a reduced cost of the amount that they have stated for you to have to pay back. They legally cannot take more than a small amount back per fortnight or monthly. They need to train workers that know what they are doing and the correct information given to the public - each worker mostly gives out different information! We look to centrelink to help us with our payments, any other queries, when we need there assistance.