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Government Extortion

Debt amount: 
$9500
Date debt issued: 
Sunday, 11 August 2019
Period debt occurred: 
August 2015
Has your case been referred to a collection agency?: 
No
Payment Type: 
Austudy
Appealing Debt?: 
Yes in process
Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress: 

I am writing on behalf of my wife who has been the victim of Centrelink Robo-Debt. $5500 of her tax return was taken with no contact from Centrelink and they propose to take another $4000 if the matter is not resolved. After providing documentation on two occassions and told it was resolved. This matter apparently was not resolved and they proceeded to take the money from her tax return. We are now in the process of appealing the matter for the third time. This issue has caused significant mental, emotional and financial stress.

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

We would like the money refunded and an apology from Centrelink. I am a High School Teacher and aware the welfare system is meant to support people and not to be used as a money grabbing machine. Disgraceful practice.