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I have had a job since I was 15 I have paid tax since I was 15.

Debt amount: 
$2000
Date debt issued: 
Wednesday, 18 January 2017
Period debt occurred: 
November 2015
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
Yes
Payment Type: 
Austudy
Appealing Debt?: 
I don't know how to
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

Huge, I never even received notice from Centrelink just a letter from a collection agency now I can't even be approved for a credit card so obviously this has affected my credit score which will in turn affect my ability to one day buy a house.
I already have lupus this added stress has caused a flare up, I have lost 6kgs already and being only 45kgs it's not something I can afford to lose.

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

Disgusting they didn't even give me notice just straight to a collection agency who harasses me 6/7 times a day.
The bill I received was from the last 12wks of a 3year nursing degree, I had to work full time through uni because a Austudy wage would not cover my rent alone.
In the last 12wks of my degree I did 12wks mon-fri straight of unpaid practical experience I legally was not allowed to work a paid job during the hours I was not at practicum ( OH&S laws)
I applied 10wks before I started this final practicum received Centrelink payment after I had finished and received $2000 only for 12weeks. For 12 weeks I ate porridge packet noodles/pasta or bread. EVERY DAY FOR 12weeks, practicum wasn't easy I was in Theatres or the emergency department working as a nurse so the energy and nutrition was needed.

I have had a job since I was 15 I have paid tax since I was 15. I have done the right thing, got myself a degree and a stable and respected job on my own