The "over payment" period they are using are actually for the most part when I was studying overseas on an exchange in the USA. I wasn't working over there either, I wasn't allowed to on the visa anyway. Prior to leaving I was working full time and would have left Australia in mid-August 2011. The debt period is from early August 2011 to the end of December 2011. Leaving about 2 weeks where I was actually working and earning money.
While on exchange, and I'm not sure if Centrelink still does this, I received youth allowance — as in it was a legitimate allowance Centrelink gave to those studying abroad.
Anyway to cut a long story short, I am very confused as to how they are accusing me of owing this debt when I was not in the country.
It was my own fault for letting it go to the debt collectors, I will admit that, however the date on the debt letter is from 7 November 2016 yet I only received an email from MyGov on 12 December 2016. As with all people, the Christmas period can get a little hectic and I went on a holiday straight after Christmas where I had limited reception / didn't want to be wasting my time calling Centrelink while on holiday.
So the debt went to the debt collectors, I am currently paying it off but am hoping it will be resolved.
I called Centrelink (usual waiting times to be put through to someone etc.) and they told me I must go into my local office and produce payslips (from 5 years ago!!!), luckily for me I get RDOs so I was able to go in. However, when I got there and finally waited my turn, they couldn't/wouldn't do anything and I told them someone on the phone told me I had to come in physically, they said that person was wrong. I then called Centrelink back to ask for review, they asked for payslips, I said I did not have them anymore so they are currently doing some sort of review which does not require me to provide payslips.
I am currently on anti-depressants/anxiety medication and thankfully I am in a good place as say it happened 1 year ago, I might have done something drastic to harm myself. I am also really lucky in that I have steady job and earn a decent wage, this still does not take away from the fact that a debt is a debt which is stressful for anyone. I feel for those less fortunate than me who would be in a far worse position than me.
It is still an unnecessary, unwanted stress :(
Guilty until proven innocent.
I am now a full-time professional paying taxes. I am contributing to society and this is how I am rewarded?!?!
I am usually not one to post and comment on current affairs but this has angered me so deeply that I felt compelled to share my story.
I am disgusted that the Government has been asked by several MPs to stop the process until they can ensure it is performing correctly. I am disgusted that Alan Tudge can hear all these stories but make up bullsh*t excuses and bullsh*t statistics to defend their actions. Just admit you f*cked up, stop the current process, work on fixing it, then restart it.
Of course, no one should be receiving benefits where they are not entitled to but it is clear that thousands of Australians have been f*cked over and the Government doesn't give one single sh*t.
I will not be voting Liberal next term, I'll tell you that much for free.