I’m 26 years old and I got advised of my debt when I first started back working but I could not afford to make repayments as I was supporting my mum paying rent of over $500 per week plus we are behind. We have been struggling so we were counting on my tax refund of $3600 to help us keep a roof over our head and pay the necessities but Centrelink took all of it and left me with $100. I was so stressed out and this made me feel worse I started suffering anxiety and nose bleeds. We had to seek assistance from churches for food and support as we were going without food 2-3 days per week. We have slowly been deteriorating and I know my tax refund would have relieved the pressure immensely.
The government has messed me around so much. 3 years ago I began my bachelor degree and was not paid any student benefit for 3 months then when I finally was paid I was not back paid the full amount owed causing financial hardship, anxiety and depression resulting in me quitting university.
Then this tax refund stealing has happened more recently. I’m not happy with the way I was treated at all. I know I’m young but I have worked and paid taxes since leaving school.