This has got to be the most stress I have ever been under. I work seasonally and make sure I save enough money so I only have to be on Newstart for a few months until I start work again. Usually, by the time Centrelink processes my application I only receive a few payments. I always declare my income as I never want to be in this situation...and here I am. Stressed to the max because they say I owe $8500. One minute I get a letter from Centrelink, next minute it is at the debt collectors. I rang Centrelink and they told me to appeal it. No other response but that. Not how to appeal it, not who to talk to. Just appeal it. They wasted no time in sending it to the debt collector. There was no other choice but to enter into an agreement as they threatened to garnish my pay, take my tax etc. How am I supposed to live if they take everything I earn. Now I have gathered all my bank statements for that period and my pay slips. Not sure if it is too late to appeal but I am not leaving the Centrelink until someone listens and does something about this debt that I know I don't have.
Why can't the government just admit they stuffed up and fix their wrongs. I for one would have alot more respect for them if they just did this and put an end to the huge amount of stress they are causing people and their families. They have no idea how much anguish they have inflicted on people...or do they????