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Claimed I owed a debt from being a student over 8 years ago

Debt amount: 
$6000
Date debt issued: 
Monday, 21 August 2017
Period debt occurred: 
August 2009 to October 2010
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
No
Payment Type: 
Austudy
Appealing Debt?: 
Yes & I won
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

I was studying at the time and I was very anxious about the claim and went to legal aid for the first time in my life. I couldn't understand that they gave me no evidence of how/when they had overpaid or claimed I underreported. I had to collect all my payslips from 4 different employers for a two year period over 10 years ago. It took weeks but luckily they were able to provide me with the information. I submitted it and have heard no more. But I don't know if it is closed or not. I also don't know if the same thing is going to happen once I submit my tax return as again as they look at your total earnings not what you earn week to week which is what you report on.

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

The system is deliberately flawed and they know it. I believe it is deliberate. They are using it as a form of fear and control along with the rhetoric that anyone receiving any benefit is taking from others. I feel like I'm living in a dictatorship never sure when they will demand more. Making me jump through hoops to prove them wrong but giving me misinformation or none at all. It is very very concerning and I'm afraid most Australians are asleep not realising that their democracy is being taken away from them. I am highly educated and found their demands overwhelming if I was a carer or suffering from mental health condition I'm not sure I would cope. It is praying on the people who are most vulnerable. It is disgusting.