seriously concerned for those who aren't as lucky as me

Debt amount:

$780

Date debt issued:

Monday, 20 November 2017

Period debt occurred:

August 2014 to February 2015

Has your case been referred to a collection agency?:

Yes

Payment Type:

Newstart Allowance

Appealing Debt?:

Yes & I won

Tell us about your debt and how has this affected you? e.g. anxiety levels, financial and accommodation stress:

Countless hours on the phone, drilling compliance officers for information that is not readily available for me to review, then countless more hours following up and collating my income from the time. Time taken away from my full-time job, earning a wage and getting on with life. Stress and frustration dealing with something so fundamentally flawed, wrapped in bureaucratic red tape. My family has been affected, as my sister is also appeal a $3500 debt.

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

There is a clear disconnect between the goals of this Gov agency and the goals of a welfare system for society. Instead of a helping hand inbetween jobs, it's being viewed as a loan that should be paid back, and the recipient a "dole-bludging" criminal. I'm lucky enough to have an education, a working history and a full time career. I am seriously concerned for those who aren't as lucky as me. A concern this Government clearly does not share.