I was issued not one, but two separate debt letters. The first referred to when I received newstart allowance in 2013/2014. It was for $1000 and required me having to track down pay slips from that period, which was a huge hassle, not to mention the fact I don't have access to the records they do and it's very hard to remember the situation from that long ago. I knew I didn't owe and I calculated that they had simply divided the money I made by the time period I worked. Fortunately after countless complaining I received a notice saying they had changed their mind, no apology! The second notice came in regards to student allowance. Although I submitted enrolment forms August 2016 they still claim I wasn't enrolled and so owe $1500. I am still waiting for that debt to be cleared even though a representative admitted they can clearly see the form. The worst part is they make you set up a payment plan whilst disputing it, and threaten to take the whole amount out your account if it's not started. It caused a lot of stress as I am still a student and suffer from bipolar and simply couldn't afford to pay the amounts owed. It even put me off applying for my austudy this year even though I am entitled. If I had not seen the issues in the news I was simply going to start paying it back out of fear and acceptance they must be right!
There clearly is a problem with the system and they are once again letting the people down by continuing with the process. I think the biggest problem is making you start a payment plan whilst you are disputing the claim. It's absurd! Every single person issued a notice should ask for an investigation, it's only the power of the people that hopefully can stop this