The Senate has backed a motion by Labor and the Greens to set up an inquiry into Centrelink’s debt recovery program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The program was set up to get back welfare overpayments by matching up Centrelink records with Australian Tax Office data.
The methodology of this has been roundly criticised.
About 40 per cent of letters which suggested a debt may be owed were later found to be incorrect.
The Community Affairs References Committee will be hearing the stories of people affected by the program in all Australian states, including Tasmania.
Tasmanian Labor Senator Carol Brown said the inquiry gave Tasmanians a chance to share their personal stories.
“The inquiry will consider the impact and administration of the robo-debt program that has led to a succession of horror stories over the last month,” she said.
“With age and disability pensioners next in line for the Turnbull Government’s Centrelink debt program, it is vital action is taken now and the program is looked at.”
The inquiry will investigate the impact of the computer-based debt processes on the elderly, families, students, people with disability and other welfare recipients; the Department of Human Services’ administration processes; and will review processes for welfare recipients who have been officially told they need to repay debts.
This motion follows a failed motion put up by Denison independent MHR Andrew Wilkie on the first day of Parliament on Tuesday which condemned the program and Human Services Minister Alan Tudge’s handling of its problems.
