I am currently long-term un/under-employed, primarily because of a history of mental health issues. Despite having great optimism for 2017, and looking forward to regaining some independence, I am currently living on scant savings in a sometimes difficult home environment. Adding insult to injury, the period in question was one of the most emotionally stressful times in recent years.
Frankly I'd rather be putting my time into personal growth and focusing on re-entry into working life this year, than worrying about a bill that according to everyone I've talked to, is completely invalid.
Whilst I am still in the process of attempting to have the debt voided, I have so far managed to have it reduced. Yet everyone I speak to who looks at the figures seems to conclude it makes no sense. On the latest paperwork, the automated system that is apparently responsible has apparently randomly generated debt amounts. The report I've most recently been provided as 'evidence' of the calculations, provides no such detail, and indeed, does not even detail the income amounts that I have already provided a) during the period in question, and b) subsequent to my handling of this issue and requesting relevant records from my employers during that period.
The phone disconnections, random menus, long queues, unnecessary arguments and online hoops all waste my time and disrupt my creative flow, when I could otherwise be making useful contribution to my growth or my community.
The Government is no government of mine. It does not represent me or my interests, nor do I feel it represents many of the most vulnerable citizens in our society. Whilst some of the largest companies in Australia pay no tax, they demonstrate blatant disregard for vulnerable citizens, verging on thinly-veiled contempt. It is a blight on the reputation and image of all Australian citizens. We should be ashamed to have descended so low.
It is on that basis and in the interests of minimising my exposure to further arguably fraudulent claims by the Department that I have today written to the Department to request no further assistance during this time. I will not be associated with such a monumental failure, except to pursue via just and peaceful means, it's inevitable demise.
The deficit of compassion, the deficit of leadership is the real issue with this Government, and this is but one of many examples.
It is on that basis that I declare 2017 to be the year when I, and others like myself are the constructive change we would see in the world. I will work ceaselessly in pursuit of freedom, compassion, justice and greater wisdom in governance, and throughout all areas of our society, but particularly when it impacts on the most vulnerable.
I call on all others who are so moved to do likewise.