I have been all over the place with this debt. Scared, anxious, stressed, angry, relieved.
It has been a process.
The online review took it $794 (after the person at Centrelink took off the $154 debt recovery fee for me).
Then a manual review took place (I didn't request this, but had logded complaints and used fraudstop.com.au to contact specfic people) which brought it down to $401.
This morning I logged in to report income for Austudy and it now says I do not owe any money!
Not sure why yet, but not going to question it! I hope this gives others hope it can be beaten!!
I think the federal government has been stubborn and heartless in dealing with this matter. Pretending that is not causing serious stress and uncertainty for the most vulnerable people in our nation.
In my dealings with Centrelink itself - I spoke to a few different people over the phone and they were as helpful as they could be.
I did make a conscious effort to be nice to them, as I know they are not personally responsible for what's happening. I think that may have helped my case a bit as well.
Through Fraudstop.com.au I contacted my local member, which is Wayne Swan. His office called me and took all my details and were willing to offer assistance if the review process wasn't working for me.
So basically, everyone but the actual government has been helpful and understanding.
Very interested to see what comes of the Senate inquiry.
Keep fighting, there are people on our side.