Centrelink "Robodebt" notices causing despair and deaths to Australians

16th February, 2019

As President of the Lions Club of Whitford, and the previous Board and WA State Director of the Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation, a point of significant contact within Western Australia has been over the issuance of Centrelink Debts, and what's otherwise known as "Robodebt" notices.

Last year, the ABC disclosed Centrelink's customer service had become problematic as more than 33 million calls were unanswered in a nine month period until March 2018 see https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-02/centrelink-wait-times-jump-as-millions-of-calls-go-unanswered/9502050

In further reports to his office, including from Centrelink staff themselves, Philip's been advised Centrelink is a department in chaos, is seriously understaffed and whilst there is a push towards online services, older Australians feel more disillusioned and left behind.

Philip's advised people are rejected at service centres and pushed to use online services, even to make a claim. If you manage to even get through on the phone, waiting times vary from 30 minutes to sometimes hours, notwithstanding the number of disconnections whilst progressing through the cue, only to have to call back and then try again.

Philip was also advised of problems with back end computer systems at Centrelink, including meeting personally with senior systems engineers, who confirmed problems within the algorithms used to calculate the debts, which ultimately issued what's known as "Robodebt" notices. Centrelink debt recovery staff also advise of pressure to pursue repayment of debts, even when Centrelink themselves know the debts are questionable and may not be owing.

Centrelink must, as a department be responsive to the needs of all Australians. Equally, if Centrelink is aware of issues within its debt recovery and collection programs, then those programs, including the issuance of "Robodebt" notices must stop.

These debts and notices are also believed to be a contributing factor in the despair and deaths of our fellow Australians, and has facilitated contact to both Lions, other charities and debt counsellors across Australia. The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee responded as part of Supplementary Budget Estimates and Questions on Notice, which can be seen at https://aph.gov.au/api/qon/downloadattachment?attachmentId=320c24fa-915f-40c1-8d8d-d816dd35f95b

Australians matter, and it's time to ensure that government services meet the needs of all Australians. It's also time to investigate to enable Australians to once again have confidence in their government, its department's, and in their ability to support and help Australians when required.

"If you don't think the debt is correct, you have the right to challenge it" Philip said.

Whilst Philip is advocating to change Centrelink's issuing of "Robodebt" notices and their debt collection techniques, he also calls on all politicians, political parties and the Australian media to support his calls for change, and likewise support your fellow Australian's.

"Australians are suffering, and frankly it's not good enough" Philip said.

We're Australian and we look after one another.