Was a model 'success story' (moved off Newstart into full time work) but slapped with 4k fine after following their advice

Debt amount:

$4200

Date debt issued:

Sunday, 11 August 2019

Period debt occurred:

July 2015 to July 2019

Has your case been referred to a collection agency?:

Yes

Payment Type:

Newstart Allowance

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:

Absolutely dismayed. Thier whole purpose is so you can 'move in to full time work' which i did.

I was earning too much to receive payments for about 7 months a year but then would have no income. Despite being almost full time and receiving $0.00 a fortnight in payments I was still required to do full Job search and Work for the dole.
After explaining my situation I was told if I didn't declare, my payment would be suspended and wouldn't have to do jobsearch, and to report for that period when my work stopped. So I did that. I declared every cent I earned and there was never a problem.

However RoboDebt has averaged out my earnings across every month of those years, and a year after succesfully moving into full time work, was slapped with a 4k debt.
I appealed however we changed payroll providers in 2017 so I couldn't provide payslips for the first 2 years. Instant debt collectors.

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

Outraged, like every one else. It's absolutely appalling what they are doing.