FED:Centrelink debts could be waived

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2010
FED:Centrelink debts could be waived

The federal government has been told to waive Centrelink debts in cases where the agency
is responsible for overpayments.

A Senate inquiry has recommended an overhaul of current provisions that force welfare
recipients to pay back debts accumulated because of an error by Centrelink.

Currently .. for Centrelink to consider waiving a debt .. welfare recipients need to
prove the overpayment was solely the fault of the agency

The Senate review says waivers should instead be permitted in cases where the Centrelink
error was the MAIN contributor to the debt.

AAP RTV sld/rl/af

KEYWORD: CENTRELINK (CANBERRA)

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