When I received the letter from Centrelink I was asked to report my income for 2011-2013.
I did exactly that and their system informed me that because what I had reported did not match their ATO data, I had to call Centrelink to discuss.
The ATO data was a few dollars off what I had reported, so I didn't think to call back and discuss.
I ended up with a debt letter due to the discrepancy, and an "averaging" system was used to calculate my income.
So, I submitted all payslips for a review as requested, and was informed over the phone that my debt was "on hold".
Since then I have received 2 automated letters claiming I need to pay back the owing amount.
I called Centrelink today to ask the debt to please be put on hold properly, and be reviewed first!
It has caused unnecessary anxiety, stress, and confusion, and I have taken out a significant amount of my own time to provide all the data they require for their review.
The Government has handled this process extremely poorly.
The fact that the debt letter I received (when the debt was supposed to be "on hold") states that they have the right to claim back the unproven debt while the review is in process is appalling, unreasonable, and unprofessional.
The number of vulnerable people they are putting at risk is disgraceful, and the number of false debts they have against them is evidence the entire system is flawed, embarrassing and should be halted immediately!