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First I heard about it was from a debt collection agency

Debt amount: 
$650
Date debt issued: 
Tuesday, 19 February 2019
Period debt occurred: 
July 2015 to June 2016
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
Yes
Payment Type: 
Family Tax Benefit
Appealing Debt?: 
Yes but I lost
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

First I heard about it was from a debt collection agency. I was furious and yes it has caused considerable stress. There was no detail showing the alleged over-payment. Just our records show you owe us money. I indicated to Probe Group I was challenging the debt and was referred to Centrelink Appeals who put debt on hold. Months later, I receive a letter saying ATO will take the debt(which it had already) with no mention of having been reviewed and the result of that review. Never been contacted by anyone in regards to the matter. No chance to explain the mistake to anyone. Effectively the government has stolen my money! This is disgusting and unacceptable!! If that amount was over-payed to me, then the amount my mother re-payed at that time when the child was returned to my care has already been recovered and she should recieve that amount back. They are double dipping. If my case was reviewed and they read the details they would know this. I want my money back!!

How do you feel about the way the Government has handled this process?: 

To say I am repulsed by the current government would be an understatement!!! Their unashamed attack on social programs and vulnerable people leaves me questioning their humanity. Where is the robodebt program to recover lost tax revenue from multi-national companies?? They are liars and theives no question. Not fit to govern anything.